To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 5 October 2023 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 October 2023, as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

Considered – Report of the Development Services Team Leader.

20/1346/FUL

Venture Properties Group

Proposed development comprising the erection of 4 buildings (4186 sq.m total) to house 18 small scale employment starter units (Use Classes E (G) (II) and (III) and B8) and creation of new vehicular and pedestrian access to Enderby Road with associated parking and biodiversity measures and landscape provision.

Public Speaking

Pursuant to Part 4, Section 7 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to public rights of participation in planning applications, the Chairman allowed the following to give a 5 minute presentation:

·         Natalie Forster – At the request of Ms Forster, her objection was read out to the Committee by a Council Officer on her behalf.

DECISION

THAT APPLICATION 20/1346/FUL BE REFUSED FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

1.    The proposed development is located in an area identified as a strategic area of Green Wedge where employment development is not considered to be an appropriate use. Furthermore, the site is located outside the built up area of Whetstone, adjacent to the strong defensible boundary of the disused Great Central railway line. The District Planning Authority considers that the proposed development would represent an unwarranted intrusion of urban development beyond the well-defined edge of the settlement and would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the landscape contrary to Policy CS16 of the Blaby District Local Plan (Core Strategy) Development Plan Document (2013) and Policy DM2 of the Blaby District Local Plan (Delivery) Development Plan Document (Feb 2019).

2.    The application site contributes towards the open setting and views of the principal elevation of Whetstone Grange, a Grade II listed farmhouse. The land surrounding Whetstone Grange acts as a visual reminder of the original, fundamental relationship and association between the designated heritage asset and the agricultural land that supported it. It is considered that the proposed development would affect the setting of Whetstone Grange and would thus cause harm to the significance of this designated heritage asset contrary to the policies of the NPPF and Policy CS20 of the Blaby District Local Plan (Core Strategy) Development Plan Document (2013) and Policy DM12 of the Blaby District Local Plan (Delivery) Development Plan Document (Feb 2019).

3.    The design of the proposed development by reason of its linear nature does not take any meaningful opportunity to present a “fair face” to the surrounding land and roads, and is poorly integrated with the existing settlement in terms of connections and proximity to existing facilities. Accordingly, the proposal is not considered to comply with the aims of securing high quality integrated design as required by Policy CS2 of the Blaby District Local Plan (Core Strategy) Development Plan Document (2013) and the National Planning Policy Framework.

4.    The applicant has failed to satisfactorily demonstrate that the development will provide net-gains in biodiversity through the submission of net-gain calculations. Accordingly, the application as it currently stands is contrary to Policy CS19 of the Blaby District Local Plan (Core Strategy) Development Plan Document (2013) and contrary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 179.