There were no apologies for absence received.

Councillor Richard Meyer declared a Local Non-Pecuniary interest for application DC/20/1435 as his daughter had booked a wedding reception at Columbine Hall which forms part of the application site.

All Members declared that they had been lobbied on application DC/19/02090.

Councillor Sarah Mansel declared a personal site visit to application number DC/20/01435, and a personal site visit at the site adjacent to application number DC/19/02090.

Councillor John Matthissen declared a personal site visit to application number DC/19/02090.

Councillor Andrew Mellen declared a personal site visit to application number DC/19/02090.

It was resolved that the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 January 2020 were confirmed as a true record.

It was resolved that the Minutes of the meeting held on the 21 February 2020 were confirmed as a true record.

None received.

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for public speaking on planning applications a representation was made as detailed below:

49.1    Item A

Application              DC/20/01435

Proposal                  Outline Planning Applications (All matters reserved) - Erection of up to 80 dwellings.

Site Location           STOWUPLAND – Land to the South of Gipping Road, Stowupland, Stowmarket

Applicant                 Gladman Developments Ltd

49.2    The Case Officer gave a comprehensive presentation of the application to the Committee outlining the proposal before Members, the layout of the site, the contents of the tabled papers before Members, and the officer recommendation of approval.

49.3    The Case Officer and the Senior Development Management Engineer responded to Members’ questions on issues including: the location of the junctions and the controlled crossing in relation to the site, the previous decisions made in the vicinity of the site, the materials to be used for the proposed pavement widening scheme, planned improvements to the junction and cycle paths, the density of the proposal, whether the controlled crossing location had been secured, and the applications relationship to the Joint Local Plan. 

49.4    The Chief Planning Officer advised Members on the relationship between the Neighbourhood Plan and the draft Joint Local Plan.

49.5    The Case Officer and the Senior Development Management Engineer  responded to further questions on issues including: the expansion of the primary school, the consultation response from the Councils Strategic Planning Team, the proposed improvements to the junction, the definition of a Grampian Condition, and the adequacy of the footways in the area.

49.6    Members considered the representation by Stuart Carvell who spoke as the Applicant.

49.7    The Applicant responded to Members’ questions on issues including: access to the recently built houses on the adjacent site.

49.8    Members considered the representation from Councillor Rachel Eburne who spoke as the Ward Member.

49.9    Members considered the representation from Councillor Keith Welham who spoke as the Ward Member.

49.10  The Ward Members responded to Members’ questions on issues including: the viability of arable land on the site, and alternative sites agreed in the Neighbourhood Plan.

49.11  The Chief Planning Officer confirmed to Members that the Draft Joint Local Plan is still in draft form. PI also provided clarity to members with regard to the issues of the crossing.

49.12  The Senior Development Management Engineer responded to questions regarding the number of accidents involving cyclists in the Stowupland area.

49.13  The Ward Members responded to further questions from Members on issues including the facilities open to the public at Walnut Tree Farm, the feasibility of local cycle routes, traffic issues, and the impact of the proposed site on the current Neighbourhood Plan.

49.14  The Chief Planning Officer advised Members of the issues associated with the Neighbourhood Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

49.15  Members debated the application on the issues including: the location of the development site, the biodiversity issues surrounding the site, the Neighbourhood Plan and the number of houses allocated compared to the housing needs identified in the draft Joint Local Plan, the proposed pedestrian crossing, cycle routes in the surrounding area, and public transport services.

49.16  The Chief Planning Officer provided Members with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

50.1    Item 8b

          Application:   DC/19/02090

Proposal:      Outline Planning Application (some matters reserved) - Erection of up to 210 dwellings and new vehicular access to include planting and landscaping, natural and seminatural green space including community growing space(s), children's play area and sustainable drainage system (SuDS), to include 35% affordable dwellings

          Site location: THURSTON – Land to the East of, Ixworth Road, Thurston

          Applicant:      Gladman Developments Ltd

50.2    A short comfort break was held between 16:33pm – 16:55pm.

50.3    Councillor Barry Humphreys MBE left the meeting.

50.4    It was agreed that due to time and the requirement for attendance of Suffolk County Council Local Highway Authority Officers this item was deferred.

50.5    Resolved:

The item was deferred to be returned to committee at a later date.