250-home occupation trigger at Land At Whitford Road, Bromsgrove

What was proposed

The application sought to increase the number of dwellings that could be occupied before specified junction and pedestrian crossing works from 99 to 250.

“FROM: No more than 99 dwellings shall be occupied until the junction of the A448/ Whitford Road/ Perryfields Road has been altered in accordance with the plan Whitford Road/ Perryfields Road proposed junction arrangement ref 461451-D-014, and until a pedestrian crossing on the A448 has been provided in accordance with the plan Potential A448 signalised crossing ref 7033- SK-015 revision A.”

“AMEND TO: No more than 250 dwellings shall be occupied until the junction of the A448/ Whitford Road/ Perryfields Road has been altered in accordance with the plan Whitford Road/ Perryfields Road proposed junction arrangement ref 461451-D-014, and until a pedestrian crossing on the A448 has been provided in accordance with the plan Potential A448 signalised crossing ref 7033-SK-015 revision A.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

The proposal followed an appeal permission and later variations concerning acoustic screening and the Fox Lane and Rock Hill junction.

“This application follows the grant of planning permission on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate in February 2021 (16/1132 appeal reference: APP/P1805/W/20/3245111) and subsequent S73 variations with regard to varying conditions 22 (acoustic screening) and 25 (alterations to the Fox Lane/Rock Hill junction) granted by Bromsgrove District Council.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because updated modelling and consultee advice indicated no severe residual highway impact or unacceptable highway safety effect.

“The Highway Authority has confirmed that the Perryfields scheme would deliver greater capacity and safety benefits beyond those associated with condition 27. Bringing forward a single, comprehensive scheme would avoid unnecessary repeated works and disruption that could arise if the condition 27 scheme was delivered first followed by further highway works to the same junction and linked to the Perryfields development.”

“As with the original planning permission granted on appeal, it continues to be considered necessary to secure mitigation against otherwise severe highway impacts associated with the Land at Whitford Road development. The current application continues to propose appropriate mitigation. Consultees have raised no objection. The Highway Authority has advised that there is no concern regarding severe impact or highway safety.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

Worcestershire Highways and Mott MacDonald raised no objection, while the Bromsgrove Society and one member of the public objected over congestion and safety.

“Worcestershire Highways • No Objection • Highway Authority does not consider that this variation would result in a severe residual cumulative impact on capacity or congestion nor an unacceptable impact on highway safety.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of the applicant and a representative of WSP supported the application, while the ward councillor spoke against it.

The committee decision

The committee granted planning permission and delegated agreement of the final scope and wording of conditions to the Assistant Director after consulting the committee chair.

“RESOLVED that having had regard to all the information before them and all other material considerations…”

“(b) that delegated powers be granted to the Assistant Director for Planning, Leisure and Culture Services, following consultation with the Planning Committee Chairman, to agree the final scope and detailed wording and numbering of conditions, as set out in the report.”

Minutes