Agenda item

Outline planning permission for the erection of up to 99 dwellings with associated access, infrastructure and open space. All matters reserved with the exception of the means of access

The Committee refused the application contrary to the recommendation in the report from the Head of Development Management. Members agreed the reasons for refusal as being that

1.     The harm resulting from safety concerns relating to the proposed pedestrian access from the north eastern corner of the site, along Fen Drayton Road, was not outweighed by the benefits of the scheme; and

2. notwithstanding the proposal in the emerging Local Plan to upgrade Swavesey to a Minor Rural Centre, there were significant infrastructure capacity issues (specifically primary and secondary education, foul drainage, traffic volumes and health) due to the cumulative impact of development within the village, giving rise to concerns about sustainability.

Members visited the site on 10 January 2017.

Stuart Websdale (objector), Nicky Parsons (applicant’s agent), Councillor Will Wright (Swavesey Parish Council) and Councillor Sue Ellington (local Member) addressed the meeting. Mr. Websdale said that development must be shown to be sustainable, with a transport strategy being in place. Nicky Parsons commended the sustainable nature of the development and said it posed no negative impact. Councillor Wright said that infrastructure in the village was already at capacity. The Parish Council had concerns about traffic and drainage. Councillor Ellington said there were insufficient facilities, citing in particular pressure on the Doctors surgery and on the school.

At the conclusion of the debate, the Committee refused the application contrary to the recommendation in the report from the Head of Development Management. Members agreed the reasons for refusal as being that

1.     The harm resulting from safety concerns relating to the proposed pedestrian access from the north eastern corner of the site, along Fen Drayton Road, was not outweighed by the benefits of the scheme; and

2. notwithstanding the proposal in the emerging Local Plan to upgrade Swavesey to a Minor Rural Centre, there were significant infrastructure capacity issues (specifically primary and secondary education, foul drainage, traffic volumes and health) due to the cumulative impact of development within the village, giving rise to concerns about sustainability.