This application had been reported to the committee at the discretion of the Director of Place because it relates to one of the former green belt allocations in the Development Plan and due to the levels of representations received.

Mr Mike Ovenden presented the report and advised Members that the there was a change in the recommendation written in the report. The new recommendation, if approved, would state:

7. Recommendation

The Application be APPROVED subject to:

(1)    the completion of a S106 agreement with the following Heads of Terms:

• To provide and secure on site affordable housing (as agreed with the planning authority)

• off site ecological mitigation/Biodiversity net gain (provision and retention)

• Financial contributions for

  o Contribution to the cost of transport for secondary school pupils (£42,810.80 Index inked to 2Q 2021).

  o Library facilities (£3,189.90 index linked to April 2020)

  o Fee for monitoring of ‘education payments’ (approx. £550 per obligation)

  o Greater capacity for NHS surgery (£24,100 indexed)

(2)    Members further resolve to delegate the negotiation of additional heads of terms to the s.106 Agreement to the Head of Planning as follows:

  o Policy Compliant level of contribution towards off-site indoor and outdoor sports provision

  o Policy Compliant level of Highway Infrastructure contributions as set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) subject to consultation response from National Highways

(3)    subject to the following conditions:- (as set out in the report)

Mr Mr Kieran Wheeler of Savills was present at the meeting and spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Parker addressed the Committee as Ward Councillor expressing that the consultation processes had been followed and he could see no reasons for refusal. 

Cllr Gelderbloem, Ward Councillor, sympathised with residents’ views, but agreed with her fellow Councillor regarding consultation.  However, was unsure whether this was the right application for the site.

Members expressed concerns over the increase in the number of homes, 49 from around 40, as stated in the original proposal.  Officers advised that the original figure was a guide only, and the increased amount of homes would go toward forming part of the housing and affordable home allocation as stated in the Local Development Plan.

Cllr Dr Barrett requested that officers request confirmation from ECC Schools and Education that its comments of sufficient school capacity are as reported, given the contrary comments made in representations by third parties. After the meeting officers sought and received such confirmation from ECC Schools and Education that its position remains as reported in the planning report.

Members expressed they thought this to be a mediocre application.

Following a full discussion Cllr Mynott MOVED and Cllr M Cuthbert SECONDED a motion to APPROVE the application.

A vote was taken and Members voted as follows:

FOR;  Cllr Dr Barrett, Bridge, M Cuthbert, Mrs N Cuthbert, Heard, McCheyne, Mynott (7)

AGAINST:  Cllrs Barber, Mrs Gelderbloem, Mrs Murphy (3)

ABSTAIN:  Cllr Gorton, Munden (2)

The application was APPROVED subject to the revised Recommendation and conditions as stated in the report.

[Cllr Gorton declared a registerable interest as a Parish Councillor of Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council and confirmed he has not taken part in discussions concerning this matter at the Parish Council.]