Strategic Planning Committee - 23 April 2026

The Strategic Planning Committee began the meeting with the standard formalities. No declarations of interest were recorded. A motion moved by Councillor Long and seconded by Councillor Alvey was passed, confirming that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 February 2026 were correctly recorded and would be signed by the Chairman.

The Principal Development Officer (AC) presented the planning application, showing plans and photographs and summarising the principal issues. After referring to the previously circulated Committee update, the Officer recommended that the application be approved, provided that appropriate conditions were imposed and that the concerns raised by the Environment Agency were resolved. The recommendation also included amendments to conditions 11 and 12 as outlined in the update.

A number of stakeholders were given the opportunity to speak. Ms J Howells, Mrs A Badcock and Councillor G Ford (St Hilary Parish Council) all voiced opposition to the proposal, citing impacts on a listed farmhouse, heritage stone barns, local wildlife, and the long‑term presence of solar panels on agricultural land. Councillor Martin highlighted the site’s recreational use, the capped mineshaft, and the potential deterioration of historic assets, urging rejection of the application. Conversely, Mr H Matthews, Mr Z Hemborough, Ms C Newcombe and Ms P Shilson supported the development, emphasizing its compliance with policy and the benefits it would bring. A written statement read on behalf of Councillor Moore outlined the development’s advantages—including affordable housing, worker accommodation and a care facility—while raising concerns about road safety, pedestrian access, evacuation planning, and parking provision.

Following the presentations, officers answered questions concerning traffic management, glare from headlights, and the availability of on‑street parking. The Committee also noted the list of planning appeal decisions received, the appeals lodged and the dates of upcoming public inquiries. The meeting concluded with the Committee’s recommendation to approve the application subject to the stipulated conditions and the resolution of the Environment Agency’s issues.