65-home outline development at Land Adjacent To Cloverfield, Chester Road, Whitchurch

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 65 homes, including affordable housing, open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure, with access approved.

“Recommendation:- That outline planning permission be granted, subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure affordable housing, biodiversity net gain for a minimum of 30 years, on-site public open space and a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP), the financial contribution towards the Whitchurch Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and the long-term management and maintenance of public open space and sustainable drainage systems…”

“The application seeks outline planning permission (with all matters reserved except access) for the erection of up to 65 dwellings, including affordable housing, public open space, landscaping, and associated infrastructure on land to the west of Chester Road, Whitchurch. The proposal includes a new vehicular access from Chester Road (B5395), with the detailed layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping to be determined at the reserved matters stage.”

Officer report

The site

The 3.39-hectare agricultural site lies west of Chester Road on Whitchurch’s north-western edge, outside but next to the development boundary.

“The application site comprises approximately 3.39 hectares of agricultural land located on the north-western edge of Whitchurch, immediately west of Chester Road (B5395). The site is bounded to the south by residential properties on Pear Tree Lane, to the north by the former Cloverfield Nursing Home and further residential development, to the east by Chester Road and open countryside beyond, and to the west by agricultural land.”

Officer report

What people said

The Town Council, local member and all 22 public comments opposed the scheme, raising policy, traffic, infrastructure, drainage, environmental and character concerns.

“Whitchurch Town Council - Whitchurch Town Council objects to the proposed development. Their objection was unanimously agreed at a Full Town Council Meeting, following consideration of public comments, planning documentation, and other representations. Key concerns raised include: • The proposal is for development on open countryside, which the Council and local residents believe is contrary to local planning policy.”

“Public representations – There were 22 public comments received in total (which includes the Town Council and Local Member objections) and all 22 are objections. There were no comments in support of the application and no neutral representations.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of local residents spoke against the proposal, the local ward councillor made a statement, and the applicant’s agent spoke in support.

Members’ view

After considering the plans and hearing all speakers, members unanimously expressed support for the proposal.

“Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, members unanimously expressed their support for the proposal.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously supported the proposal, with the local ward councillor taking no part in the debate or vote.

“In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Andy Hall, as local ward councillor, made a statement and then left the table, taking no part in the debate or vote on this item.”

Minutes

The decision

Outline permission was granted subject to a Section 106 agreement securing housing, biodiversity, open space, play, cycling and walking funding, and long-term maintenance.

“RESOLVED: That outline planning permission be granted, subject to:”

“The prior completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure affordable housing, biodiversity net gain for a minimum of 30 years, on-site public open space and a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP), the financial contribution towards the Whitchurch Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and the long- term management and maintenance of public open space and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS); and…”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The permission was also subject to the recommended planning conditions, with final conditions and minor amendments delegated to the Planning and Development Services Manager.

“The recommended planning conditions set out in Appendix 1, with authority for final conditions and minor amendments delegated to the Planning and Development Services Manager.”

Minutes