Minutes – Planning Meeting 21st December 2020

cpc-clerk

2020/25

Minutes from a planning meeting of Cropthorne Parish Council held on Monday 21st December 2020 at 7pm Conducted via Zoom

  1. PRESENT:

Chairman B Annis Vice Chairman S Smythe Cllr M Rowell Cllr J King

Applicant of Planning Application 20/02694 – Land at Brook Lane

  1. APOLOGIES – Cllr Clive
  2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
  • None declared
  1. TO CONSIDER:

Planning Application: 20/02694 – land at Brook Lane – Application for Permission in Principle for a self-build dwelling

The clerk reported that she had received copies of 2 letters of objection from near neighbours. Issues raised referred to the impact any development would have on the natural habitat / wildlife, with concerns that some removal of trees has been carried out. In addition, the access to the site (not to highway specification), which is privately owned was already showing signs of deterioration, and ongoing maintenance is required at the cost to the owner. They felt that additional traffic to and from the proposed development would only make this worse, in particular, bringing in of any heavy plant equipment needed

In response to the comments made by near neighbours, the applicant responded as follows:

  • Wildlife – a full expert review (Ecological Appraisal Survey) had been carried out which had not identified any ‘protected’ species. It is the applicant’s intention to create an environment which would encourage wildlife, with the use of nesting boxes and the introducing of suitable flora
  • Access – The applicant advised that he has a ‘right’ of access over the track to the site. He had also been in contact with owners of Clive’s Farm Shop, who share the access road, and they were keen to work together to facilitate a better finish to the road.

Cllrs had read through the supporting documents for the application and believed thorough and detailed research had been carried out which included a flood assessment. Cllrs agreed that the only concern they had was with regard the access road, commenting that it would be tight to get round the bend at the Brook Lane end. They stressed the importance of ensuring the access track was kept clear at all times as some residents were solely reliant on assistance from carers – the applicant guaranteed that this would be the case. The parish council had no objections to this application but had been made aware that a question over ownership of the part of access road/track had been raised by the applicant.