Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 2023 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 2023 were approved as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors under the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, or contact with applicants/objectors under the Planning Code.

a) Disclosures of interest under the Members’ Code of Conduct

There were none.

b) Declarations of interest under the Council’s Planning Code

Councillors Bateson, Beatty, Beecher, Buck, Burrell, Chandler, Clarke, Dunn, Lee, Mathur, Rutherford and Gibson reported that they had received correspondence in relation to application 23/00121/OUT  but had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Howkins reported that she had received correspondence in relation to application 23/00121/OUT and had previously attended a presentation on this application but had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Nichols reported that he had received correspondence in relation to application 23/00121/OUT he also reported that he had received an invitation to meet with the applicant but declined, and had engaged with residents on this application but in all cases had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Ward

Sunbury Common

Proposal

A hybrid planning application for an Integrated Retirement Community to consist of:

a) Full planning application incorporating 38 extra care and 28 close care units (Use Class C2) with an on-site village centre to include a medical facility. Means of access off Vicarage Road, associated infrastructure, landscape buffer and open space.

b) Outline Planning application for a care home (Up to 60 beds) and up to 68 extra care units (Use Class C2) landscaping and open space, parking, infrastructure and internal access roads (all matters reserved).

Recommendation

Refuse the application for the reasons set out at Paragraph 8 of the report.

Description:

A Hybrid planning application for an Integrated Retirement Community to consist of:

a) Full planning application incorporating 38 extra care and 28 close care units (Use Class C2) with an on-site village centre to include a medical facility. Means of access off Vicarage Road, associated infrastructure, landscape buffer and open space.

b) Outline planning application for a care home (up to 60 beds) and up to 98 extra care units (Use Class C2), landscaping and open space, parking, infrastructure, and internal access roads (all matters reserved).

Additional Information:

Kiran Boparai, Planning officer reported on the following updates:

Sustainable Drainage Scheme:

A revised Drainage Strategy Report was submitted by the applicant to address the objections raised by the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) on the Sustainable Drainage Scheme. This revised report was forwarded to the LLFA and they have since responded by removing their objection. They have recommended conditions to be applied if, in the event planning permission were to be granted. Consequently, reason for refusal 4 (drainage) has been deleted from the recommendation section 8 of the Committee report.

Ecology:

A revised Ecological Assessment and Ecology response was submitted by the applicant to address the issues raised by Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the Council’s Biodiversity Officer in relation to protected species that needed to be resolved prior to the determination of the planning application.

The revised documents were forwarded onto SWT and the Council’s Biodiversity Officer. SWT and the Council’s Biodiversity Officer have since responded by stating that these outstanding issues that needed to be resolved prior to determination have been addressed. Consequently, reason for refusal 3 (ecology) has been deleted from the recommendation section 8 of the Committee report.

Air Quality:

The applicant has submitted additional information on Air Quality to address the issues raised from the Council’s Environmental Health Officer (EHO). The EHO has since responded and continues to raise no objection subject to the imposition of conditions, including the requirement to submit a revised Air Quality Assessment in relation to the Outline planning application.

-       A letter has been received from the applicant making various comments following responses from the Council’s Housing and Planning Policy Team. The letter also states that applicant considers very special circumstances exist to justify the development in the Green Belt. However, it is for the decision maker to determine whether very special circumstances exist. In this case, Officers do not consider that the benefits clearly outweigh the substantial harm to the Green Belt.

-          Correction to Paragraph 3.20 “The applicant’s planning statement states that 55 car parking spaces would serve ‘Phase 1’ (the ‘full’ element), representing a parking ratio of 0.38 0.83 spaces per dwelling”.

-          Correction to Paragraph 5.3 “115 Neighbour notification letters were sent out to the surrounding properties to notify them of this planning application.”

-          Correction to Paragraph 7.69 (affordable housing) “The viability report has been reviewed on an ‘open book’ basis by the Council’s valuation advisor (BPS Chartered Surveyors). The valuation advisor disagrees with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60/23

To note details of the Planning appeals submitted and decisions received between 7 September to 4 October 2023.

The Chairman informed the Committee that if any Member had any detailed queries regarding the report on Appeals lodged and decisions received since the last meeting, they should contact the Planning Development Manager.

Resolved that the report of the Planning Development Manager be received and noted.

To note the details of future major planning applications.

The Planning Development Manager submitted a report outlining major applications that may be brought before the Planning Committee for determination.

Resolved that the report of the Planning Development Manager be received and noted.