Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report for the demolition of existing workshop buildings and erection of 4 dwellings with associated access and parking (Identical scheme to refused applications EPF/1744/23 and EPF/2345/23).

Members of the Committee received a presentation from the Planning Officer and a representation from the applicant’s agent. The Committee discussed the planning merits of the application.

The Committee voted against the officer recommendation to refuse the application. Reasons for approval of the application were proposed, seconded, and voted for by the Committee.

Resolved:

The Committee voted to approve the application subject to S106 Agreement, as below.

Members were satisfied that since the proposal would result in the removal of the longstanding concrete hardstanding and dilapidated structures, it would improve the openness and visual amenity of the site. There were therefore sufficient very special circumstances to clearly outweigh the harm of the development to the purposes of containing land within the Green Belt and all other harms. As such, the Sub-Committee decided to approve the application subject to standard conditions and the completion of a S106 legal agreement to mitigate harm of the proposal on the integrity of the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation as a result of the additional air pollution and recreational pressure that the proposal generated.