750 homes at Land East of Bower Lane, East Bower, Bridgwater

What was proposed

Outline planning permission was sought for up to 750 homes, a primary school, community facility and infrastructure, along with full permission for a noise bund and spine road.

“The Officer explained that the application was to consider a Hybrid application for Outline Planning Permission (all matters reserved save for site access) for phased development, capable of being severed for, demolition of existing buildings and development of up to 750 dwellings, primary school, community facility, access (vehicular, pedestrian and cycle), alterations to Bower Lane, public open space, play areas, landscaping, drainage, infrastructure and other associated…”

Minutes

What officers recommended

Officers recommended the application be granted, subject to a Deed Poll, a Section 106 agreement and conditions.

“The report recommended that the application be granted subject to a Deed Poll, completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure the above Heads of Terms, and conditions.”

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Objections from residents and councils

Five objectors and both the parish and town councils objected, raising traffic, healthcare, education, affordable housing and open space concerns.

“Traffic generation and cumulative highway impacts. • Air quality and construction impacts. • Inadequacy of healthcare capacity. • Insufficient educational provision. • Low levels of affordable housing. • Pressure on community infrastructure.”

“Bridgwater Town Council also objected to the application because it would not provide adequate Affordable Housing or infrastructure.”

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A councillor and the applicant's agent spoke

A local councillor raised ongoing concerns, while the applicant's agent spoke in support, citing viability, affordable housing and healthcare funding.

A motion to refuse was debated

A councillor proposed refusal citing a lack of affordable housing, infrastructure and other provision outweighing the benefits of the allocated site, but the motion was lost by 2 votes to 3 with 5 abstentions.

“Following the comfort break Councillor Brian Smedley proposed that the application be refused listing a number of policies from the Local Plan. This motion was seconded by Councillor Hilary Bruce.”

“When the meeting resumed The Head of Planning Summarised the discussion that had occurred and the recommendation that was being put forward for refusal. Councillor Brian Smedley confirmed he proposed that the application be refused on the grounds there was a lack of affordable housing, infrastructure, sustainability, highways, healthcare, education, placemaking and recreation provision and these harmful impacts would substantially outweigh the benefits arising from the development on land even though it had been allocated in the Development Plan for development contrary to Policy S3 of the Local Plan and Policy S4 of the NPPF.”

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Vote and decision

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions, carried by 5 votes to 2 with 3 abstentions.

“To grant planning permission subject to the satisfactory completion of an agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act and conditions as recommended and amended, as discussed.”

“The proposal to grant planning permission was carried; 5 votes for, 2 votes against and 3 abstentions…”

Minutes