Agenda item

Considered -

The report of the Assistant Director Planning – Community Development Services requesting Members to determine an application ref: 20/01706/EIAMAJ - Application for the erection of up to 224 dwellings, and a new school with associated roads, parking, landscaping, drainage and open space, (All matters - access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale reserved) – Land Comprising Field At 428984 452916, Whinney Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

The application was brought before the Strategic Planning Committee because it is an application required to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement and because the site is part of a wider ‘urban extension’ to the West of Harrogate.

Further to his declaration of interest (Minute no.60, above) Councillor John Mann addressed the Committee highlighting the following:-

·        Application was part of the West Harrogate development plan

·        Development was taking place around narrow country lanes and single track roads which was concerning to residents.

·        Overall proposals could see the development of 4k new dwellings with the potential for an additional 6k additional vehicles on the already problematic highways.

·        Urge the Committee to reject the application

·        Should the application be approved he outlined four current traffic ‘black-spots’ that required attention before the development took place.

Councillor John Mann left the meeting.

A representative of the Assistant Director Planning – Community Development Services presented the Committee report, highlighting the proposal, the site description, the consultation that had taken place, the advertisement and representations, planning guidance and policy and planning considerations.  The report also provided a conclusion and recommendations.

David Siddans, an objector to the application, addressed the Committee highlighting the following:-

·        Represented Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents Association

·        Application first of a number in respect of West of Harrogate development

·        Accept development of housing and new school

·        Object to infrastructure proposals and delivery of that as consider to be inadequate

·        Major impact on road safety for pedestrians and cyclists

·        Local transport plan not acceptable and unsuitable for proposed development

·        Need to consider minimising car use and providing alternative travel opportunities

Justin Hancock, representing the applicant, addressed the Committee outlining the following:-

·        Report and recommendation welcomed

·        Framework for West of Harrogate development being established

·        Funding for infrastructure development being established through S106 agreement – mitigation of impact of development

·        Proposal will provide housing, affordable housing, community facilities and new primary school.

Members highlighted the following issues during their discussion of the report:

·        Addressing the issues raised by Councillor Mann – the S106 agreement would be utilised to address some of the infrastructure issues in the area, however, this application was not dependent upon those being addressed and should be determined on its own merits.

·        Infrastructure issues would be addressed as the West Harrogate project was implemented and issues identified.

·        Bus Service plan - outlined and would be introduced when viable.

·        Engagement with the local community – has been undertaken over several years to ensure the local residents were on-board with the proposals, the most appropriate development was undertaken, with appropriate infrastructure and highway links in place, ensuring a sustainable approach.

·        Application includes 40% affordable housing – confident that this will be delivered.

·        Continue to monitor potential changes to planning policies to be introduced by new Government.

·        Further applications to subsequent meetings of the Committee including issues relating to infrastructure and transport. Impacts on current infrastructure and transport systems would need to be taken account of.

·        Impact on sewerage – plans would reduce impact on surface water drainage but sewerage issues were the responsibility of Yorkshire Water to address and engagement with them should be undertaken at earliest opportunity.

·        Sustainable development and carbon reduction opportunities – the carbon reducing elements of the proposals were not currently conditioned, would there be more opportunity to for additional carbon reducing measures to be included at a later stage, eg Solar Panels. Further opportunity to consider these issues would be available when reserved matters were submitted to the Committee.

·        Consideration should be given to the local vernacular and architecture of historic Harrogate in relation to the development due to take place and include stone, not red brick.

·        The consideration of reserve matters would be a very important stage as this would provide opportunities to influence how the proposals move forward

Resolved:-

That planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions outlined in the report and the completion of a S106 agreement in line with the terms detailed in the report.

Voting on this resolution was unanimous.

Councillors George Jabbour and Roberta Swiers returned to the meeting.