Eastleigh Borough Council Horton Heath Development Management Committee Meeting

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Marsh declared a personal interest in agenda item 6 as the Headteacher of St James’ Primary School which would be the catchment school for the development and as her home was on Burnetts Lane, close to the site.

Councillor Richard Gomer declared a personal interest in agenda item 6 as the Chair of Governors at St James’ Primary School which would be the catchment school for the development.

There was no formal public participation on this occasion but Kitty Budden, Lead Local Area Manager, gave an update on the recent Cabinet decision regarding the provision of affordable homes.  However the Committee were reminded that this was not a material planning consideration.

RESOLVED –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2022 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a short presentation on guidelines that had to be taken into account when determining planning applications; in particular the issues that could, and could not, be taken into account. This was set against the broader policy framework.

The Committee considered the report of the Service Director for Planning and Environment (Agenda item 6) concerning an application for outline planning permission for a phased mixed use development comprising severable and separate phases of development at Land at Burnetts Lane, Fir Tree Lane and Allington Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 7BZ.  All matters reserved except access. (This application is subject to Environmental Impact Assessment). (Ref: O/20/89498).

The Committee was advised of the following updates:

·  Condition 24 for final SuDS per phase - verification requirement added: “…The sustainable drainage system shall be implemented, verified as correctly installed and thereafter managed and maintained in accordance with the approved details…”

RESOLVED -

That  outline permission be GRANTED subject to:

i)  the recommended conditions;

ii)   completion of the S106 legal agreement; and

iii)  completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment notification processes

[NOTES: (A) Three written statements were received, one member of the Barley Fields Residents Group and two local Councillors spoke in opposition to the application, citing concerns - including but not limited to – impact on the residents of Barley Fields and the importance of proper consideration for the boundaries, flooding, affordable housing, accessibility standards and swift bricks. (B)  The One Horton Heath Project Director and Strategic Development Manager spoke in support of the application citing benefits – including but not limited to – £156m of S106 obligations, averaging £60k per dwelling which deliver more than on any other site in the borough, the use of a different legal route to deliver affordable housing (Housing Revenue Account) and houses being much larger than national standards. (C) Councillors raised questions including, but not limited to, the timing of the reports being rushed, concern around setting a precedent regarding affordable housing, road layout, SANGS mitigation, the sensitivity of the boundaries with Barley Fields,, Bramley Gardens and Angelica Gardens, inspection of drainage works, building heights (including the 6 storey way finder in the local centre and the up to 4 storeys elsewhere on the site) and GP provision. (D) The Principal Planning Officer reminded Councillors that the 6 storey building had always been in the plans for the local centre, the alternative sources of funding for affordable housing were not a material planning consideration, the request for swift boxes could be considered under condition 75, submissions for Biodiversity Net Gain and that the residents in Bramley Gardens, Angelica Gardens and Barley Fields were to be fully engaged for plans for adjoining development.]

The Committee considered the report of the Service Director for Planning and Environment (Agenda item 7) concerning an application fora deed of Variation to s106 Agreement dated 2 December 2022 to remove any requirement to provide affordable housing or first homes under planning permission F/20/89500 - The erection of 381 dwellings at One Horton Heath.  (Ref: V/23/95347).

The Committee were updated that there had been 2 objections to the neighbour notifications on the principle of development, housing being too expensive without subsidy and affordable housing should be guaranteed.

RESOLVED –

That the Committee AGREED to vary the Section 106 agreement dated 2 December 2022 as requested subject to consideration of any further consultation and neighbour responses (consideration of new issues delegated to Service Director for Planning and Environment in consultation with Chair/Vice Chair)

[NOTES: two local Councillors spoke in opposition to the proposal citing concerns - including but not limited to – the precedent set to other developers regarding affordable housing, the affordability of homes for existing residents of the area, sense of place and concerns regarding the viability assessment. (B) The Horton Heath Project Director spoke in support of the proposal highlighting the significant investment into the site via the S106 agreement including infrastructure and biodiversity.]