Strategic Planning Committee - 11 June 2026

The Strategic Planning Committee met at 10:25 am after a technical delay and recorded no declarations of interest. The meeting began with a motion, moved by Councillor Long and seconded by Councillor Martin, to approve the minutes of the previous Committee meeting (21 May 2026) and to have them signed by the Chairman. The Principal Development Officer (Acting) presented Application No. PA23/10181, showing plans and photographs and summarising the key issues. The Officer recommended that delegated authority be granted to approve the application, subject to conditions – including a S106 legal agreement that secures on‑site affordable housing.

Four speakers were heard on the application. Mrs Tracey Richards, the objector, spoke against the proposal and answered questions from the Committee. Representing the applicant, Ms Jo Harley and Mr Jason Chapman each gave a supportive statement and responded to Committee queries. Councillor Line, an electoral‑division member, raised a series of concerns: the potential impact of drainage and flood risk on the development, unresolved questions about the location and capacity of a South West Water mains pipe, conflicting advice from the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and the applicant’s drainage consultants, and broader issues such as highway adoption and the effect of delays on energy‑efficiency measures. She also requested that a pre‑commencement condition be imposed to secure a pedestrian connection to Tregender Road and suggested deferring the application until the drainage matters were fully resolved and the LLFA was satisfied.

Following the presentations, officers answered the members’ questions. They confirmed that Condition 11 – requiring both on‑site and off‑site pedestrian works to be completed before any dwelling is occupied – meets the relevant tests, is enforceable, and is supported by the principal lawyer. Officers also reported that, over the past one to two years, the LLFA’s technical requirements have been progressively addressed, leading to the withdrawal of a previous objection by National Highways. The Committee noted the list of planning appeal decisions received, the appeals lodged, and the dates of any public inquiries.

In summary, the Committee received a recommendation to grant delegated authority for Application PA23/10181, with the inclusion of a S106 affordable‑housing agreement and the enforceable pedestrian‑work condition. While the objector and some members highlighted unresolved drainage and flood‑risk issues, the officers indicated that the majority of the LLFA’s concerns have been mitigated. The meeting concluded with the Committee acknowledging the appeal information and the status of related planning appeals.