Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

            That the reason for refusal be “The Local Planning Authority considers that insufficient information has been provided in respect of the proposed drainage system to demonstrate that the development of this site would not result in an increased risk of flooding arising elsewhere further downstream.  Accordingly the Local Planning Authority considers that the proposals are contrary to the provisions of policies STR1, GEN1, GEN3, HSG4 and EWP17 of the Flintshire Unitary Development Plan and fail to satisfy the requirements of Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, and fails to satisfy Paragraph 6.2 of Technical Advice Note 1 – Joint Housing Land Availability Studies.

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) in respect of this application.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.  Additional comments received since the preparation of the report were circulated at the meeting. 

            The officer detailed the background to the report explaining that at the meeting on 20 July 2016 Members resolved to refuse the application for two reasons.  The report sought agreement of the wording of the reason which related to flooding and drainage concerns and also sought agreement from Members to withdraw the reason for refusal in respect of agricultural land quality, on the basis as was laid out in the report.  The applicant had also provided confirmation that the land was not Best and Most Versatile (BMV) quality.

            He commented on the concerns raised at the last meeting on the site springs and proposed storage of water within the confines of the site in underground storage tanks.  A summary report had been produced by Betts Hydro which advised that there were no springs arising within the site boundaries. The bogginess of the ground suggested that the site was crossed by spring lines.  The report advised that the proposed surface water drainage system was designed to accommodate flows to cater for the 1:100 flood event and allowed an additional 30% storage capacity to allow for climate change.  He further added that an appeal had been submitted on this application based on non-determination; the expiration of the four week period in which the Local Authority had to issue a decision ceased on 15 September 2016.

            Councillor Richard Jones moved approval of the wording in paragraph 6.04 of the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) for the reason for refusal of the planning permission which was duly seconded.

            Councillor Bithell said he had concerns on the storage capacity of the underground storage tanks, citing examples of problems that had occurred on other developments.  The officer explained that the information before Members was the best evidence available and that was based on no springs within the site boundary, storage capacity of the water tanks and climate change.

            RESOLVED:

            That the reason for refusal be “The Local Planning Authority considers that insufficient information has been provided in respect of the proposed drainage system to demonstrate that the development of this site would not result in an increased risk of flooding arising elsewhere further downstream.  Accordingly the Local Planning Authority considers that the proposals are contrary to the provisions of policies STR1, GEN1, GEN3, HSG4 and EWP17 of the Flintshire Unitary Development Plan and fail to satisfy the requirements of Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, and fails to satisfy Paragraph 6.2 of Technical Advice Note 1 – Joint Housing Land Availability Studies.