230 homes at Land Off Crewkerne Road, Chard

Why it returned to committee

The committee had previously resolved to grant the application subject to a footpath link along the A30, which was later found not feasible.

“It should be noted which members of the committee resolved to grant this application previously, but that the application is returning with new information, and therefore members should consider the application before them today afresh, and with an open mind.”

“The planning officer presented the outline only application with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation showing the location of the site, aerial photographs, proposed development framework plan, photographs of local road network, proposed site access plans and the key considerations as detailed in the report.”

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Objections

Objectors and the Town Council raised traffic congestion, the stalled relief road, flood risk, environmental impact and a lack of local infrastructure.

“A footpath link along the A30 CAN be achieved, and the information given to the committee today is misleading. • The development will worsen an existing problem with heavy traffic on the eastern edge of Chard, and the SSDC plans for the delivery of the Chard Eastern Relief Road appear to be on hold.”

“The increase in traffic congestion and the failure to deliver the Chard Eastern Relief Road. • The development will bring increased flood risk to Chard. • The many impacts on the natural environment, and development’s proximity to Chard Reservoir. • The lack of infrastructure, services and employment opportunities in Chard…”

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What the agent said

The agent said the alternative walking route and crossing on Oaklands Avenue was a better and safer option than the original footpath along the A30.

What members debated

Members supported the development in principle but were concerned that approving it without safe pedestrian access would disadvantage future residents.

“There was a lengthy debate, and whilst the committee felt supportive of the principle of development, some members expressed their disappointment that a footpath along the A30 will not be delivered, and felt that to approve the application without safe pedestrian access would be doing a huge disservice to Chard and the people who will be occupying the estate.”

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The decision

The application was approved unanimously, with the Oaklands Avenue footpath and an added condition preventing occupation until safe pedestrian access to the A30 is achieved.

“The Footpath link discussions continued, and the Development Management Area Manager advised that it would be lawful for the committee to impose a Grampian style condition whereby the homes could not be occupied until safe pedestrian access onto the A30 could be achieved. Cllr Wale approved of this recommendation and made a proposal to approve the application as per the officer’s report, with the proposed new footpath onto Oaklands Avenue, and subject to an additional condition whereby the development could not be occupied until an acceptable solution to allow safe pedestrian access from the A30 into the site could be achieved.”

“The prior completion of a Section 106 Planning Obligation/Agreement and the stated planning conditions set out in the original officer report on the application attached as Appendix A considered by the South Area Planning Committee at the meeting held on 28th Jan 2025. The addition of Drawing 1724/24 rev A (new footpath link) to the approved plans list under recommended condition 5. 3.”

Minutes