Agenda item

We considered the report of the application which was recommended for approval subject to the 26 conditions as outlined in the report.  Also, that an additional archaeological condition should be added; an Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) condition be added, an amendment to conditions 18 and 21 were required to allow for a Construction Management Plan (CMP); amend the drainage detail to accommodate French Drains for Model Farm.

The local Member for Overmonnow, attending the meeting by invitation of the Vice-Chairman, outlined the following points:

·         She was representing a local objector to the application whose garden is frequently flooded.

·         The property has had a drainage ditch and has a soakaway.  Concern was expressed that if the application was approved there may be detrimental consequences for the soakaway.

·         The local land acts like a sponge collecting additional surface water.

·         The drainage issues around Model Farm needed to be addressed.  The Head of Planning stated that the applicant will install a new drainage pipe around Model Farm and water access will be focussed away from Model Farm.

Mr. D. Cummings, Chairman of Monmouth Chamber of Commerce and supporting the application, attended the meeting by invitation of the Vice-Chairman and outlined the following points:

·         The Monmouth Chamber of Commerce were in support of the application.

·         The applicant is a successful company and approval of this application would allow the company to double its workforce.

·         Approval of the application will attract further businesses to the area.

·         The site will provide adequate parking and landscaping.

·         There is easy access to the site from the A40.

Members were informed that mechanisms would be put in place to ensure that surface water would be directed away from Model Farm.  The Drainage Strategy will improve the current situation as additional water will run off into the attenuation pond.

A Planning Committee Member expressed concern that the drainage issues were being dealt with in a piecemeal fashion and that there were wider drainage issues in and around the site at Wonastow Road.  Concern was also expressed that this site was designated as a B1 site in the Local Development Plan but was gradually becoming more of a B8 site.  It was considered that before any further development should take place at this location a Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) should be undertaken as flooding at this location regularly occurs at this site.

In response to the points raised it was noted that surface water drainage that would be stored in the attenuation pond would be released at a controlled rate.  Currently, there was no control over surface water drainage release.  The design of the proposed building reflects a high technology building.

Having considered the report and the views expressed, it was proposed by County Councillor P. Murphy and seconded by County Councillor R.J. Higginson that application DC/2016/00107 be approved subject to the 26 conditions as outlined in the report.  Also, that an additional archaeological condition should be added; an Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) condition be added, an amendment to conditions 18 and 21 were required to allow for a Construction Management Plan (CMP); amend the drainage detail to accommodate French Drains for Model Farm.

Upon being put to the vote, the following votes were recorded:

In favour of the proposal    -           9

Against the proposal           -           1

Abstentions                           -           1

The proposition was carried.

We resolved that application DC/2016/00107 be approved subject to the 26 conditions as outlined in the report.  Also, that an additional archaeological condition should be added; an Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) condition be added, an amendment to conditions 18 and 21 were required to allow for a Construction Management Plan (CMP); amend the drainage detail to accommodate French Drains for Model Farm.