Agenda and minutes

With the absence of the Vice-Chair, the Chair proposed that Councillor Dr Martin Cahn assume the role of Vice-Chair for the meeting. This was seconded by Councillor Anna Bradnam and agreed by affirmation. The Chair then made several brief housekeeping announcements.

Apologies for Absence were received from Councillors Henry Batchelor, Geoff Harvey, Dr Tumi Hawkins and William Jackson-Wood. Councillors Anna Bradnam, Brian Milnes and Dr Lisa Redrup were present as substitutes (Councillors Milnes and Redrup were present virtually).

1.         Disclosable pecuniary interests (“DPI”)

A  DPI is where a committee member or his/her spouse or partner has any kind of beneficial interest in the land under consideration at the meeting.

 2.        Non-disclosable pecuniary interests

These are interests that are pecuniary involving a  personal financial benefit or detriment but do not come within the definition of a DPI.  An example would be where a member of their family/close friend (who is not their spouse or partner) has such an interest.

3.         Non-pecuniary interests

Where the interest is not one which involves any personal financial benefit or detriment to the Councillor but arises out of a close connection with someone or some  body /association.  An example would be membership of a sports committee/ membership of another council which is involved in the matter under consideration.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Members are to receive a presentation on the proposed draft Strategic Design Guide by the developer ahead of its formal submission to the local planning authority in due course. The developer will explain the details of the Strategic Design Guide and how this will align with the requirements of the Outline Planning Permission, providing the framework for future Reserved Matters applications to be submitted and assessed against.

The Senior Planning Lawyer made a statement clarifying the purpose of the Briefing. The Principal Planner (Strategic Sites) detailed the reasons for presenting the Briefing to Members and outlined the history of the site. Members were informed that the Briefing was to bring Members up to date with the progress of the development and to provide factual information on the proposed Design Guide.

The Briefing was delivered by a number of representatives of the developer:

• Caroline Foster and Nigel Hugill of Urban & Civic

• Julia Foster and Helen Pearson-Flett of David Lock Associates

• Tony Musson of WilkinsonEyre Architects

• Andrew Thornhill of Churchman Thornhill Finch

The Briefing covered a range of topics, including:

• The original parameter plans from the Outline permission

• Changes to the plans since the granting of the Outline consent

• The phasing of the development process

• The proposed framework plan and design proposals

• Landscaping strategy

• Green space implementation and management

• Sustainability considerations

• Transport corridors and impact on highways

• Infrastructure on-site and links to existing local infrastructure

• Details of engagement with consultants, officers and local communities

• Impact on local communities

Councillor Peter McDonald opened the Members’ questions section of the briefing with a statement as local Member. Councillor McDonald commended the developers for their engagement with the local communities and stated that local support for the development was strong as long as residents continued to be consulted as the process progressed. Praise was given for the quality of the Design Guide, the innovative proposals that it included and the commitment to tree translocation on the site. The local Member noted that there may be questions around sustainability, particularly regarding water, and construction management, although it was noted that this was not part of the Design Guide but stated that in his view the developers had seriously considered these issues.

Members of the Committee asked a number of questions and received response from the developers, confirming that:

• On-site facilities and green spaces were to be open for community activity, both for residents of the site and the wider community

• The Design Guide would carry weight as a material planning consideration in the determination of any forthcoming Reserved Matters applications

• Tree translocation had started and had been initially successful, with a 5-year management plan in place to ensure the screening of the site remains effective

• The bridges had been proposed in response to the demands of the site and capacity of existing highways; the proposals were responsive to consultations with the County Council and other parties. Members were informed that ongoing monitoring of the highways to assess the effectiveness of the highways strategy would be in place, with further implementation of investment and mitigation strategies to be introduced if required.

• A travel plan and improvement of public transport links was to be introduced, although it was noted that this needed to be part of a wider, strategic transport strategy for the area

A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.