Y/83/19/OUT – Outline application with some matters reserved for the erection of 22 No. dwellings, access roads, landscaping & associated works (resubmission following Y/62/18/OUT). This application is a Departure from the Development Plan.

In considering the application, Members sought clarification on a number of issues relating to the status of the agricultural land and why the application was being recommended for approval when it was a departure from the Development Plan and the Yapton Neighbourhood Plan.  Concerns were also raised by some Members about the access to the site which were responded to by the County’s Highways Team representative. 

In debating the merits of the application, mixed views were expressed with some Members highlighting their concern about the loss of agricultural land and the impact of increased housing development on this site which was outside of the agreed Development Plan; whilst others believed the application would support the Council in meeting the under-delivery of housing targets in the Local Plan, as explained within the officer report.  A question was asked about whether the officers had encouraged the developers to make this second application as the previous application had been refused and was now the subject of an Appeal.  The Group Head of Planning confirmed that no such request had been made.

A request was received that the voting on this proposal be recorded.

On putting the officer recommendation to the vote, the Committee

RESOLVED

That the application be approved as detailed in the report update.

            Those voting the application be approved were Councillors Bennett, Blanchard-Cooper, Bower, Charles, Clayden, Edwards, Northeast and Mrs Pendleton (8). Those voting against were Councillors Coster, Mrs Hamilton, Lury, Ms Thurston, Mrs Worne and Mrs Yeates (6).