Planning Committee - South - Tuesday, 28th May, 2024 2.00 pm

May 28, 2024 View on council website  Watch video of meeting or read trancript
AI Generated

Summary

The meeting primarily focused on a planning application for a residential development and the associated reduction in Section 106 contributions for education. There were also discussions about the minutes of the previous meeting, declarations of interest, and technical issues with the audio system.

Planning Application for Residential Development

Overview

The main topic was a planning application for a residential development near Wellington. The application had previously been approved, but it was brought back to the committee due to a significant reduction in the Section 106 contributions for education.

Education Contributions

The education authority reduced its Section 106 contributions from £1,180,000 to £410,000. This reduction was based on a revised assessment of school capacity requirements. The committee had to reconsider the application due to this change.

Site Details

The site is located to the west of Wellington Lane, bordered by existing developments and agricultural land. The proposed layout includes up to 100 dwellings, open spaces, and a central spine road.

Public Speakers

  • Jean Mitchell, owner of the White Bungalow, raised concerns about a gate next to her property that had been locked. She wanted to know if it would be used for the development. The officer clarified that the gate would only be used for pedestrian access and not for vehicles.
  • Alex Bullock, head of planning at Land Value Alliances, spoke in favor of the application, emphasizing that the reduction in education contributions was justified and necessary to comply with planning regulations.

Committee Decision

The committee approved the application, subject to conditions and the revised Section 106 agreement. The decision was unanimous.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without any objections.

Declarations of Interest

One member declared an interest in the last item on the agenda, which was not discussed in detail during this meeting.

Technical Issues

There were significant technical issues with the audio system, making it difficult for attendees to hear the proceedings. Multiple attempts were made to fix the microphones, but the issues persisted throughout the meeting.

Apologies

Apologies were received from Councillors Jason Baker, Patrick, Jenny Kenton, and Heather Messenger. Councillor Kendall was also mentioned but had conflicting commitments.

Vice Chair Appointment

The committee sought volunteers to act as vice chair for the meeting, but no decision was recorded in the transcript.

Overall, the meeting was primarily focused on the planning application and the associated reduction in education contributions, with technical issues affecting the proceedings.