Zone K plan variation at Winslade Park, Clyst St Mary

“Site Location and Description The application site forms part of the Winslade Park estate located to the south of Clyst St Mary. The site comprises an established business campus set within a historic parkland landscape centred around Winslade Manor, a Grade II* listed building, and its associated structures including Winslade House and ancillary buildings.”

“The wider site includes existing sports facilities comprising football pitches, cricket pitch and tennis courts, together with areas of open parkland associated with the Grindle Brook, which runs through the site. The site is well screened within the landscape due to its low-lying topography and established tree cover, such that it is largely contained in views from the surrounding area, although glimpses are available from nearby public rights of way and the village.”

“The main matter to consider is whether the reduction in the extent of Zone K gives rise to any material planning harm. Officers are satisfied that the ecological enhancements and soft landscaping alongside the central drainage ditch, as detailed WPSD M03k-0-04/07/2024, secured through 24/1433/MRES, can still be implemented.”

“Accordingly, it is the view of officers that only limited weight can be attributed to the partial loss of open space. When considering the proposal in context of the planning benefits anticipated through delivery of the wider development of Winslade Park; provision of market and affordable housing, economic benefits through the delivery of employment land and local community uses of sporting facilities, the planning balance remains heavily in favour of approval.”

“Parish/Town Council This is an Objection to Planning Application 26/0213/VAR - the Variation of Condition 3 (Plans) of Hybrid Application 20/1001/MOUT.”

“In respect of previous planning applications on reserved matters for the Winslade Park developments, Zone K was originally delivered as a Public Open Space in mitigation for the approval of residential development in Zone A on a designated Local Green Space in previous Local and Neighbourhood Plans. We stressed that there was a need for a Community Use Agreement for Zones C and K (in its entirety) and this agreement would be in perpetuity.”

“Other Representations Three comments of objection have been lodged against the application. - Loss of open space with no compensation. - No future maintenance and management of open space agreed. - Applications for Zones A & D have timed out. - No mitigation of loss of the agricultural field. - Original reasons for refusal of the solar farm development should stand.”

“RESOLVED: The Appropriate Assessment be adopted. Approved with conditions in accordance with officer recommendation subject to the completion of a deed of variation to the original S106 agreement to secure the same planning obligations against the new Section 73 Application.”