Issue - meetings

Proposed development

Outline application for the erection of up to 120 dwellings together with associated access, parking, public open space and landscaping (as amended by additional information received 17/11/2014 and 04/02/2015) at  Land At Crondall Lane, Farnham.

Recommendation

That, subject to consideration of the views of outstanding consultees, the applicant entering into a S106 agreement to secure: affordable housing, community facilities, education, libraries, playing pitches, play space, open space, sports/leisure centres, recycling and other environmental improvements, to provide for appropriate SANG to avoid a likely significant effect upon the SPA including payment of appropriate contributions to SAMM or alternatively Farnham Park, a S278 agreement with the County Highway Authority to secure means of access, pedestrian accessibility/safety improvements, highway infrastructure and sustainable transport improvements, a Travel Plan, repairs and improved access to Public Footpaths, the setting up of a Management Company for the management of on site open space, and subject to conditions, permission be GRANTED.

Proposed development

Outline application for the erection of up to 120 dwellings together with associated access, parking, public open space and landscaping (as amended by additional information received 17/11/2014 and 04/02/2015) at  Land At Crondall Lane, Farnham

The Chairman introduced the Officers present and referred Members to the proposed order of business for the meeting.

With reference to the report circulated with the agenda, Officers presented a summary of the planning history of the site, and the current plans and proposals. Officers showed pictures of the site and plans for the application. A representative from the County Highways Authority was also present and advised members of the arrangements in place by the applicant to improve access and highway improvements.

Officers outlined the matters of principle/technical judgement and those matters of judgement and advised members of information received following the agenda being published and detailed in the update sheet. This included reference to three further conditions in relation to the SANG, works relating to the Ecological Assessment and ground levels. There were also 2 additional representations against the application but these did not raise any new material considerations.

Officers advised the Committee that the application was for outline planning permission with all matters reserved except for means of access. Members noted that the site was located in the countryside beyond the Green Belt and although the Councils preference would be for previously developed land to be developed first, they had not been able to identify a deliverable supple of housing sites from the identified sites which would sufficiently meet the housing demand for the next five years. The Committee was advised that the applicant had put forward two sites for SANG, Farnham Park and Crookham Park which was 4.8km north of the application site and Members could agree a preference for this.

Following the officers presentation and before the Committee debated the application, in accordance with the guidance for public participation at meetings, each party was given the opportunity to speak for up to 5 minutes. The following people spoke to the application:

Mr S Edge and Mr J Williamson - Objector

Cllr Genziani – Farnham Town Council

Mr G Woolf - Applicant/Agent

Having heard the officers’ presentation as well as the representations from the objectors and the applicant and supporter, Members were invited to ask any further questions or to seek clarification on areas of concern from the officers.

The Committee was pleased to note that the scheme would provide for affordable housing as this would improve the vitality of the Town Centre and help young people and families live and remain in Farnham. However, the scheme would result in an increase in traffic movements and Members were concerned about the impact this would have on Crondall Lane. Furthermore, officers had not consulted Hampshire County Council Highways Authority despite the proposal lying on the border and it was felt that they should be consulted on the impact of the development if people were to travel north to the SANG.

There  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62