Agenda item

To determine the application.

David Rowen presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Matthew Hall, the agent. Mr Hall stated that the proposal at the site has been developed following various discussions with his client and various other schemes prior to making the application. He explained that there is a mixture of properties including semi-detached three-bedrooms, detached four-bedroomed dwellings and he added that they are not all the same and are not all boxes in a line, with along the frontage of the site there will be a footpath which will be adopted and then where it goes into the access to the field at the back which is in separate ownership.

Mr Hall made the point that the site already has outline approval which was supported by members in June 2023 and the current proposal is a detailed layout which follows on from that. He explained that there are no technical objections, and the archaeological excavation has already been carried out over the site and the County Council have visited the site.

Mr Hall stated that on site percolation testing has been undertaken and that proves that soakaways work at the site which is all located in Flood Zone 1. He explained that during the course of the application there have been various discussions with the Highway Authority, and he has undertaken a review of some of the objections to the proposal.

Mr Hall stated that he has purchased land registry documents, a highways boundary plan and he has had the site professionally measured and has received a good service from the Highway Authority, where he has demonstrated the extent of the footpath that can be provided. He made the point that the proposal allows for extra dwellings in Friday Bridge to help support local amenities and the Parish Council have been consulted twice on the application and have supported it on both occasions.

Members asked Mr Hall the following questions:

·         Councillor Connor asked whether there will be any provision of street lighting? Mr Hall stated that during the discussions with the Highway Authority concerning the footpath, radius kerbs and accesses he does not recall any mention of street lighting.

Members asked officers the following questions:

·         Councillor Connor asked officers to clarify the situation with regards to street lighting. David Rowen stated that if the footpath is to be adopted then it will need to be the standard that the County Council request and if that includes the need for street lighting then that will form part of the adoption.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Mrs French stated that it is a good application, and she will fully support it.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Marks and agreed that the application be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Benney declared that the agent has undertaken work for Chatteris Town Council and himself personally, but he is not pre-determined and will consider the application with an open mind.)

(Councillor Imafidon declared that the agent has undertaken work for him personally, but he is not pre-determined and will consider the application with an open mind)