Large-scale residential development at Weeland Road, Eggborough

What was proposed

The outline scheme covered housing, extra-care accommodation, a local centre, a primary school, infrastructure and landscaping, with access from two roads.

“ZG2023/1037/EIA - Outline application (all matters reserved except for primary means of access) for residential development, extra-care facility, local centre, primary school, and associated infrastructure and landscaping on land at Weeland Road, Eggborough…”

“The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services sought determination of an outline planning application (all matters reserved) for residential development, extra-care facility, local centre, primary school and associated infrastructure and landscaping with access from Weeland Road and Kellington Lane at land to western boundary of Eggborough, Weeland Road, Eggborough.”

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The site and setting

The site was on land at the western boundary of Eggborough, and members visited the village, site, railway and school.

“A site visit took place on 10 August when members visited the village, the site from the North, from Weeland Road, from Kellington Lane, the railway and the school.”

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What officers recommended

Officers maintained that 10% affordable housing was policy compliant and recommended permission subject to a Section 1 agreement and conditions.

“The officer advised that the applicant had provided further information regarding affordable housing, however there was no viability report or change to the affordable housing percentage and it was considered that the 10% provision remained policy compliant. There was no objection from the affordable housing team and no change to the officer recommendation or assessment on this matter.”

“OFFICIAL recommendation remained to grant the application subject to a Section 1 agreement and conditions as set out in the report.”

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Objections and support

A substantial number of objections and two letters supporting the proposal were received after the report was published.

“Since publication of the report, a further number of representations were received, a substantial number of objections and two letters in support of the proposal. The…”

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Who spoke

A member of the public spoke against the application, parish council representatives addressed the committee, and the applicant’s representative spoke in support.

What members debated

Members debated affordable housing, the development’s scale, village character, agricultural land, infrastructure capacity, transport, services and housing growth.

“Members noted the level of affordable housing proposed and questioned why no independent assessment of affordable housing viability had been obtained following the previous meeting and expressed concern that the proposed 10% affordable housing provision was low. Officers advised that 10% was policy compliant, represented a minimum provision, and that additional affordable housing could be delivered through agreements between developers and registered providers.”

“Members also discussed the adequacy of infrastructure provision, including education contributions, healthcare, highway improvements, rail capacity, and community facilities. Concerns were raised regarding the ability of existing transport infrastructure and public services to accommodate the scale of growth proposed, while noting the benefits of new infrastructure, including a primary school site, extra care housing, and financial contributions secured through planning…”

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The committee’s decision

The committee deferred planning permission for a full independent assessment based on accurate local figures of affordable housing potential, by nine votes to five.

“Councillor Brown proposed and Councillor Bastiman seconded that the decision be deferred for a full independent assessment based on accurate local figures of the affordable housing potential.”

“That the planning permission be deferred for a full independent assessment based on accurate local figures of the affordable housing potential.”

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