Agenda item

To determine the application.

The Committee had regard to its inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection: Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04)) during its deliberations.

David Rowen presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation in support of the application, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, from Gareth Edwards (Agent).

Gareth Edwards thanked members for the opportunity to speak at today’s meeting. He explained that the applicant was unable to attend today’s meeting. He stated that the applicant had been raised in the adjacent bungalow and the proposal for 3 dwellings would allow her to return to Doddington with her sisters.

He highlighted that Doddington is a growing village and the site is within a ‘small extension’ of the village in accordance with LP3 of the Local Plan. The development would be in keeping with the continuous build form on the opposite side of the road and the site benefits from a bus stop at its entrance. He stated that the land has only been pasture land for many years and is located within flood zone 1. The proposal has support from all statutory consultees and has received letters of support from neighbouring residents too. He argued that the site is not located in open countryside and it would follow the built form of the surrounding area. He asked members to support this application.

Members had no questions for Gareth Edwards.

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

1.    Councillor Sutton supported the application and disagreed that the location is considered outside of the village. He explained that as a local resident he considers the site as being located within the village boundaries. He reiterated that the land has not been used for agriculture during his lifetime as he has known the site for many years. He stated that he was against officer’s recommendation to refuse this application.

2.    Councillor Murphy disagreed and stated that the site is located outside of the village. He highlighted that by approving the application, a precedent will be set for other sites located in open countryside. He supported officer’s recommendations to refuse the application as it does not comply with policy.

3.    Councillor Hay agreed with Councillor Murphy and highlighted the open countryside adjacent to the site.

4.    Councillor Benney disagreed and highlighted that development has already taken place within close proximity to the site. He stated that in his opinion, the site is within the village boundaries and as the land is not used to grow produce, development would be a good use of this site.

5.    Councillor Lynn highlighted that there is an existing bungalow adjacent to the site and development is taking place on the opposite side of the road too.

6.    David Rowen reminded members of the definition of LP12 concerning developed footprint and explained that the site cannot be reasonably described as a built form of the settlement. He added that there is the issue of the character of the site and area and whilst members may believe there are no issues with the proposal being in the built form this does not mean that the development would be in keeping with the area. He drew member’s attention to a recent appeal decision in Addison Road, Wimblington.

7.    Councillor Sutton disagreed and highlighted a recent appeal decision in Kirkgate, Tydd St Giles. He said it was unfair to say the site was not located in Doddington village.

8.    David Rowen confirmed that the appeal decision at Kirkgate, Tydd St Giles is included in a later agenda item. He reiterated that the issue is not with the site being in the built form of the settlement but the character.

9.    Councillor Murphy explained that in his experience, infill development has never been classed as 3 dwellings. Councillor Sutton reiterated the recent appeal decision at Kirkgate, Tydd St Giles and the Planning Inspector’s comments on this.

10.Councillor Skoulding asked if the site is located within a 30mph speed zone. Members confirmed this.

11.Councillor Benney explained that whilst he had the utmost respect for officer’s recommendations and planning policy, there are occasions in which members have to consider the requirements of local residents. He stated that he supported this application as the site is part of the village of Doddington, is located in an area of settlement and the application has not received any objections.

12.David Rowen reminded members that the number of letters of support for or objections against a planning application is not in itself a reason to approve or refuse an application.

13.Councillor Sutton stated that elected members must listen to what residents say and supported the application. He said consideration must be given as part of the Council’s work on the new Local Plan, as to where the boundary of Doddington lies.

Proposed by Councillor Sutton, seconded by Councillor Lynn and decided that the application be GRANTED; against officer’s recommendation.