Minutes:
The consultation procedure undertaken was outlined in the report together with background information in respect of the site.
Officers referred to the updated information in relation to the application as provided in the supplementary AB list. It was noted that the Environment Agency confirmed they did not require consulting and United Utilities and Sabic had no objections. Two further representations had been received raising issues already addressed in the Committee report, relating to loss of employment land, COMAH and Planning for Risk, Transport, Landscape and ecology. One other representation raised concerns in relation to wildlife; in particularly bats and birds of prey. It was noted that the required mitigation measures would be attached in a condition relating to wildlife.
The Committee was also advised that the proposed housing would include replacement planting and landscaping that would contribute to enhancing biodiversity, conditions for this had already been recommended and further conditions were recommended as listed on the update.
The Committee was addressed by Mr John Lewis, the applicant, who provided Members with some background information as to why the application had been made. He advised the Committee that The Heath Business and Technical Park was privately owned and funded and had required major investment over the years in order to keep up with competitors. He advised them of the multi-use facilities available at The Heath and provided details of the numbers of companies that have used the Park over the years and the employment created due to this. He advised that the application was important for the future of The Heath and for the contribution The Heath made to the Halton economy.
Members discussed the application and agreed with the officer recommendation. They requested however that the delegated matters return to the Committee when the full application was received and considered again at Committee.
RESOLVED: That
a) powers be delegated to the Operational Director – Policy, Planning and Transportation, in consultation with the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Development Control Committee to make a final determination once the application has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive, to request whether or not they wish the application to be called in by the Secretary of State;
b) if the application was not called in, the application would be approved, subject to a Section 106, and issued subject to the following conditions:
1. Standard outline conditions (BE1);
2. Reserved matters to comply with the New Residential Development;
3. Guidance and the Designing for Community Safety SPD (BE1, BE2 and BE22);
4. No development shall begin until written details of a construction management plan have been approved in writing (BE1);
5. Materials condition, requiring the submission and approval of the materials to be used (BE2);
6. Landscaping conditions, requiring the submission of both hard and soft landscaping to include replacement tree and hedgerow planning (BE2);
7. Boundary treatments including retaining walls to be submitted and approved in writing (BE2);
8. Prior to commencement the submission of details of any retaining walls;
9. Wheel cleansing facilities to be submitted and approved in writing (BE1);
10. Construction and delivery hours to be adhered to throughout the course of the development (BE1);
11. Submission and agreement of existing and proposed site and finish floor levels (BE1);
12. Prior to commencement condition for foul and surface water drainage details;
13. No trees, hedges or shrubs shall be removed during the bird nesting season (months of March to August inclusive), unless approved in wirting by the Local Planning Authority. Any application to remove trees, hedges or shrubs shall be accompanied by a statement from a suitably qualified ecologist confirming that nesting or fledging birds would not be affected by works to remove the vegetation;
14. Prior to commencement of the development a scheme for the provision of bird and bat boxes within the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority; and
15. Prior to commencement of development, a scheme for sensitive lighting of open spaces shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The scheme shall include measures to minimise light spillage onto trees and woodlands; and
c) if the Section 106 Agreement or alternative arrangement was not executed within a reasonable period of time, authority be delegated to the Operational Director – Policy, Planning and Transportation, in consultation with the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Committee to refuse the application on the grounds that it failed to comply with Policy S25 (Planning Obligations).