15 homes, reserved matters at Bridgwater Gateway Development, North Petherton, Bridgwater

Reserved matters for 15 homes

The application sought approval of reserved matters for 15 dwellings, access, green infrastructure, landscaping and drainage.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was for Approval of reserved matters for the erection of 15 dwellings and associated access, green infrastructure, landscaping, drainage and engineering works.”

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Who spoke

The town council and the planning agent addressed councillors.

What could still be decided

Officers said highways and cumulative traffic impacts had already been assessed at outline stage and could not be revisited in this reserved matters application.

“Councillors recognised that this was a reserved matters application, and therefore the principle of development and overall quantum of housing had already been approved at outline stage.”

“Councillors acknowledged concerns raised by North Petherton Town Council regarding traffic congestion and cumulative development impacts, and the adequacy of highways infrastructure in a growth area. Councillors expressed sympathy with the Town Council’s work and local concerns. Officers clarified that highways impacts were assessed at outline stage, including cumulative effects from the wider scheme.”

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Height, layout and drainage

Officers explained a three-storey block had been assessed as visually acceptable, and that the Lead Local Flood Authority had no objection to drainage, subject to conditions.

“Highlighted additional affordable units are also provided elsewhere in the scheme. • Councillors raised concerns regarding the use of a three-storey block within predominantly two-storey surroundings and the overall visual cohesion and layout of the development. Officers explained that reducing height would require a larger building footprint, reducing landscaping and amenity space.”

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Councillors accepted the limits of the decision

Councillors accepted that principle, housing numbers, highways and drainage had been settled at outline stage, leaving only detailed design matters to decide.

“Councillors accepted that principle, housing numbers, highways and drainage impacts had been addressed at outline stage, and that the current application was limited to detailed design matters. Councillors noted continued local concern regarding traffic and cumulative impact, but noted these matters could not be revisited at this stage. Officers advised that the scheme complied with policy and there were no outstanding objections from consultees.”

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Councillors voted to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which carried 9 votes to 1 with no abstentions.

“After deliberations Councillor Martin proposed to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Hendry.”

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be granted planning permission in line with the officer recommendation, with the additional condition recommended by the Lead Local Flood Authority, as read out to the Committee.”

Minutes