Issue - meetings

APPLICATION NUMBER: PA/340887/17

APPLICANT: Russell Homes UK Ltd

PROPOSAL:  Hybrid Planning Application comprising of: Part A - Full Planning Application for the development of a new link road between Knowls Lane and Ashbrook Road and associated works, and Part B - Outline Planning Application for the development of up to 265 dwellings, open space and landscaping, with all matters reserved except for access.

LOCATION:  LAND AT, Knowls Lane, Oldham

It was MOVED by Councillor Qumer and SECONDED by Councillor Ali that the application be REFUSED (against Officer recommendations).

On being put to the vote 9 VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR OF REFUSAL and 1 VOTE were cast AGAINST with 0 ABSTENTIONS.

DECISION: That the application be REFUSED contrary to officers’ recommendation for the following reason:

The proposal would result in the loss of OPOL 12 land and subsequent landscape harm and harm to the visual amenity of the Wharmton Undulating Uplands (Area 7a) LCA and Thornley wooded valley landscape since the development will result in a significant fragmentation and loss of Green Infrastructure assets and open landscape, as well as having a transformative effect on the openness, local distinctiveness and visual amenity of OPOL12 and the Wharmton Undulating Uplands (Area 7a) LCA. This harm significantly and demonstrably outweighs the acknowledged benefits of the scheme when weighed against the Local Plan and NPPF policies taken as a whole. As such, the proposal is contrary to:

-              Policy 6 - Green Infrastructure;

-              Policy 21 – Protecting Natural Environmental Assets; and,

-              Policy 22 – Protecting Open Land  

of the Oldham Local Development Framework, Development Plan Document (November 2011) that seek to protect valued landscapes and OPOL land.

NOTES:

1.    That an Objector, the Applicant and Ward Councillor, attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application.

2.    Councillor Leach declared a personal interest in this item.  Councillor Leach left the room and took no part in the discussion or vote thereon.