Agenda item

1 Public Speaker

Lynn Pack, Applicant

Hybrid application: 1)- Full planning application for the demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings and the construction of residential dwellings, public open space including recreation space and associated infrastructure and works to be constructed in 5 distinct areas (A-E) each one independent from the other and 2)- Outline application with all matters reserved other than means of access for a care home. This application falls within Strategic Site HD5, CIL Zone 1 and 2 (Zero Rated) and may affect the setting of listed buildings. This application is subject to an Environmental Statement.

The Strategic Planning Team Leader presented the report. He confirmed the application was a hybrid application for the demolition of existing dwellings and outbuildings and construction of 551 residential dwellings, public open space and associated infrastructure. There was also an outline element with all matters reserved for a Care Home. The application location sat within the Barnham, Eastergate and Westergate strategic allocation, that was allocated for residential development.

 The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Partridge and seconded by Councillor Woodman.

During debate members raised the following concerns, the application had been outstanding for 2-years, with a number of matters outstanding, the council could not have any application sat for that length of time when the district needed these homes built. Parking provision detailed in the application in conjunction with the already known parking issues in and around Felpham was a further concern highlighted, refusal reason 11 detailed in the report was highlighted as disappointing to still be seen as outstanding. The Drainage, Flood risk assessment, Ecology and Education objections detailed on page 11 of the agenda were highlighted as showing that work was still required before the application could move forward and be deemed as acceptable to the council.  Relating to the drainage objection the Vice-Chair stated that the development would be connected to same sewer network that serviced Barnham which had seen significant flooding issues over the last 12 months, she highlighted that Southern Water had confirmed it would take 2-years for any reinforcement work to that network to be completed.

As there were no other comments to be made the Chair stated that he was disappointed that despite the council liaising with the applicant regularly over the last 12 months to ensure the application was moved forward, these attempts had failed, through no fault of the council officers. He went on to say that the application was an example of why the imminent NPPF changes may not work, highlighting that flooding and drainage issues detailed within the report were unacceptable, 2 years for Southern Sater to implement an infrastructure solution was also concerning, the a29 realignment to the north that was planned to support this development still had land ownership issues to be resolved, education requirements were not acceptable, the district had a serious housing crisis it was dealing with and the 30% affordable homes was needed to be delivered to assist addressing this issue. In summing up he stated he did not want to see strategic site applications being refused, however, on this occasion he saw no other option but to follow the recommendation put forward by officers.

The Committee

                     RESOLVED

                     That the application be REFUSED