Issue - meetings

Full planning permission refused.

Registered speakers: Taryn Wilkinson (Objector) and Alison Davidson (Applicant)

After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Alex Hilton, seconded by Councillor Peter Gabbott, and a decision was subsequently taken (10:2:1) that full planning permission be refused for the reasons set out below;

1.    The proposed development would result in the loss of protected open space which is identified of high value and makes a significant contribution to the character of the area in terms of visual amenity. There is currently a deficit of amenity greenspace in the ward and the loss of this site would exacerbate this deficit. The proposal is, therefore, contrary to policy HW2 (Protection of Existing Open Space, Sport and Recreational Facilities) of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 -2026.

2.    The proposed development would fail to meet the statutory test to preserve and would cause harm to both the character and appearance of the conservation area and the visual amenities of the area. The proposed development is, therefore, contrary to policies BNE1 and BNE8 of the Chorley Local Plan 2-12 -2026, policy 16 of the Central Lancashire Core Strategy (2012) and the National Planning Policy Framework at Chapter 16.

3.    Insufficient information has been submitted to assess the archaeological value of the site which has significant potential as the site of castle, moat or other fortified structure. The proposed development is, therefore, contrary to policy BNE8 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 -2026, policy 16 of the Central Lancashire Core Strategy (2012) and the National Planning Policy Framework at Chapter 16.

4.    The application site falls within flood zone 3 and the Exception Test of paragraph 160 (A) of the Framework is failed as it is not considered that the wider sustainability benefits to the community have been demonstrated.