Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2019.

Subject to the amendment of the first paragraph of the resolution to refuse in Min. No.56 to read “the proposal is contrary to Core Planning Policy Section 4, 11, 12 and 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Objective 9 and Policy CP4 and Cp17 of the Exeter Local Development Framework Core Strategy and Policies H5(a) and (b), C1, C2, C3, T3, DG1 (b) (c) (d) (f) (g) and (h) of the Exeter Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 ………” the minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2019 were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chair as correct.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made by Members.

To consider the report of the Service Lead City Development.

The Principal Project Manager (Development) (MD) presented the application for ‘reserved matters’ approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping for the remainder of the Home Farm site (Phase 2) comprising 90 dwellings (14 x 2bed, 30 x 3bed, 24 x 4bed and 22 x 5 bed). He reported that the house types comprised a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced dwellings with on-plot parking. The layout of the site was consistent in broad terms with the ‘illustrative masterplan’ submitted at outline stage. The new road into the site led to a number of cul-de-sacs branching off it on the northern part of the site, and then extending into the southern part of the site with dwellings on one side facing some of the open space before changing to have houses on both sides on the lower half of the site.

Councillor Wood, having given notice under Standing Order No. 44, spoke on the item. He raised the following points:-

·         general concern regarding developments in Pinhoe and impact on transport network;

·         question the density proposed in view of the challenging nature of the topography and do not feel that the relationship with the existing buildings and landscape is appropriate. There is an adverse impact on Home Farm and other listed buildings which are part of the local distinctiveness in Pinhoe and should be protected;

·         this further development is likely to exacerbate flooding problems experienced in the area and there is concern that discussions are still on-going regarding mitigation measures to prevent flooding;

·         the north west corner of the site allocated for public open space also incorporates a water management scheme which should be fenced off for safety reasons.

Councillor Oliver having given notice under Standing Order No. 44, spoke on the item. She raised the following points:-

·         not opposed to further provision of homes but believe the scale proposed is excessive and the cumulative impact of this and other developments is detrimental to Pinhoe as a whole;

·         original linear park landscape has been changed and the revised location of the play area is questioned as it is too far from houses in this development and can not be easily accessed from neighbouring developments;

·         Home Farm is a valued part of the Pinhoe heritage and this development will have an adverse impact on its setting. There is also an adverse impact on the general contours of the area and the application should be deferred for further discussions with local residents;

·         request a site visit to examine the concerns around flooding and the suggestion for improvements to gullys; and

·         concerned that, as with other developments, non-compliance with conditions will occur.

Anthony Farnsworth spoke against the application. He raised the following points:-

·         accept that the principle of development on this site has been settled. The developer has been contacted over questions of site layout, levels and treatment of boundaries as they impact upon Home Farm;

·         the Planning Inspector’s assurances on the impact of the development on the setting of the listed building were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

To consider the report of the Service Lead City Development.

The Project Officer (KF) presented the application for the use of agricultural land for keeping of horses and construction of two stables. He confirmed that the stables would be within one stable block

Margaret Seaton spoke against the application. She raised the following points:-

·         speaking on behalf of some 55 people objecting to the proposed development as concerned that this is the first stage to housing, as happened with the recent boathouse to house in Topsham

·         objecting also to disturbance to a wildlife haven and destroying an undeveloped natural landscape;

·         will lead to an increase in vermin, flies and smell in a location adjacent to housing;

·         the land was historically used as a market garden and not for livestock;

·         the land contains a registered priority habitat, is within the lapwing and redshank consultation zones and is in close proximity to the Exe Estuary Ramsar Site Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area. It is also a wetland site of  international importance;

·         there is a risk that any stables erected are subsequently converted into dwelling houses via a change of use or used to facilitate the grant of permission for dwelling houses in the future;

·         there would be a number of overriding objections to the grant of planning permission for the construction of dwelling houses on the application site following from the landscape setting policy and Local Plan for Exeter;

·         object to the application for permission to construct stables; and

·         if granted, it should be subject to a condition that the application site is not further developed into or used for the construction of dwelling houses.

In response to queries, Members were advised that the highway authority was satisfied with the access and that it was not appropriate to seek to limit the number of horses or condition the arrangements in respect of water supply. Given the main concern of objectors that the proposal could be a precursor for future housing, Members acknowledged that any such proposal was subject to the consideration of applications by this Committee and that this site in any case was not considered appropriate for housing.

The recommendation was for approval, subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

The recommendation was moved and seconded.

RESOLVED that the use of agricultural land for keeping of horses and construction of two stables be APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:

1)         The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which this permission is granted.

Reason:  To ensure compliance with sections 91 and 92 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2)         The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out otherwise than in strict accordance with the submitted details received by the Local Planning Authority on 08 July 2019 (including dwgs. LOCATION PLAN 19-013 1-0001 REVISION C and PROPOSED 19-013 0-0001 REVISION A) and 10 September 2019 as modified by other conditions of this consent.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

To consider the report of the City Development Manager.

The report of the Service Lead City Development was submitted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To consider the report of the City Development Manager.

The schedule of appeal decisions and appeals lodged was submitted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To advise that the next Site Inspection Party will be held on Tuesday 15 October 2019 at

9.30 a.m.  The Councillors attending will be Councillors Ghusain, Harvey and Mrs Henson.

RESOLVED that the next Site Inspection Party will be held on Tuesday 15 October 2019 at 9.30 a.m. The Councillors attending will be Ghusain, Harvey and Mrs Henson.