Issue - meetings

Barnham Eastergate Westergate (BEW) - Submission of Masterplan & Framework for Endorsement

Meeting: 25/11/2020 - Planning Committee (Item 326)

326 Barnham Eastergate Westergate (BEW) - Submission of Masterplan & Framework for Endorsement pdf icon PDF 291 KB

Minutes:

(Prior to the consideration of this application, Councillor Mrs Yeates had declared a prejudicial interest and was placed in the virtual waiting room and so took no part in the debate or vote.)

 

The Chairman reminded members that this was a high level framework masterplan for a site that is allocated within the Local Plan, the purpose of the master plan tis to provide a vision and  broad design principals for the site rather than details of how the infrastructure will be delivered it is not an opportunity to revisit the principals of the BEW allocation or the route of the A29 realignment. The recommendation included the submission of a phasing and delivery plan. Discussion should remain around the overarching principals set out in the framework masterplan.

 

          The Senior Planning Officer advised Members that the masterplan would see a development of 4,300 homes whilst this was an increase the report did make clear previously that the originally reported 3000 homes was a minimum number. He gave a clear update on where the development was at in its process. He confirmed that the site would deliver a number of community facilities from nurseries to two schools, he confirmed that a mix of housing densities would be required across the site. The Northern portion of the A29 would be delivered by West Sussex County Council. The southern portion would be the first part of the substantive application for the site delivered. Due to the area around the Lidsey Rife being at higher risk of flooding, housing had been directed away from this area and drainage of the site works on the basis of a series of attenuation basins which would store water and result in a controlled discharge. Linear Park area had been planned to provide not only a defined feature for the site but also hydrological and ecological benefits to the district. Officers are satisfied that the framework masterplan would provide a flexibility for all eventualities and would allow a robust package towards infrastructure to be secured. In summary he stated that the framework masterplan had come from extensive discussions with developers and officers. Developers had made appropriate concessions throughout the process to ensure alignment with the adopted Local Plan. It also established the principals against which planning applications would be submitted and when.

 

          Members were complimentary to the “high quality” framework and had agreement that it would deliver the objective of the Local Plan. Concern was highlighted on the following;

 

·       Traffic build up during the build

·       Public Transport improvement needed

·       Increase in number of homes

·       Area for Bat habitat

·   Clarity for the development of a footpath along the canal into the current bridleway

 

 

          The Senior Planning Officer addressed some of the concerns discussed and advised Members that one of the reasons for phasing of the development was to ensure good management of the number of houses built but was a matter to be determined at a later time. In terms of biodiversity throughout the lifetime of the development the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 326