64 homes at Ringwould Road, Kingsdown

“The original application submitted was for 70 residential dwellings, including access from Ringwould Road, parking, landscaping, open space and associated infrastructure. During the course of the application, a ring ditch was found in respect of archaeology as such the number of dwellings has been reduced to 64 dwellings with an alternative layout than originally submitted. The amendments have been subject to full re- consultation.”

“Within the site application there are 3 prominent open space areas, with green corridors proposed in the middle of the site. There are four drainage basins on each corner of the site. These details are shown in figures 2 and 3 below.”

“The site relates to roughly a square/diamond parcel of land, measuring approximately 3.7 hectares. The land is an undeveloped arable field that slopes down to the west and eastern boundary. The site is scrub within the northeastern corner of the site and is bound by hedgerows trees.”

“To the east of the site Kingsdown & Ringwould C of E primary school, with public footpath ER5 running from Glen Road to the playing fields. Towards the front of the site is the recreation ground, playground and sports playing pitches and the associated car parking (currently using the site access). To the southwest of the site is existing woodland beyond which is open countryside to the south and west.”

“On being put to the vote, the motion FAILED.”

“The Principal Planning Solicitor explained that refusing the application would almost certainly lead to an appeal. Reasons for refusal had to be reasonable, well-founded and defensible at appeal. If they were not, planning permission was likely to be granted by the Planning Inspector anyway and, although not a material consideration, it was likely that costs would be awarded against the Council for making an unreasonable decision.”

“RESOLVED: (a) That, subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure SPA mitigation and, if not otherwise secured, PROW maintenance and Travel Plan monitoring, Application No DOV/25/00112 be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“(b) That powers be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development to settle any necessary planning conditions in line with the issues set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”