Issue - meetings

GH/ED/66 Land at Venn’s Farm, Sowton
Proposed use: Employment land 19.29ha
Officer recommendation: Not to allocate

Jo O-Donnell spoke against the allocation of the site, on grounds of the adverse impact to the area. Local roads were often flooded and any development was expected to increase flooding.  She also asked how much weight was put on considering the conservation area when making an assessment of sites.

Cllr Galloway, representing the local parish, also advised that the site should not be allocated.  Sowton Lane was narrow and unsuitable for heavy vehicle traffic; and the footpath and bus stop were not close to the site. He also advised about local flooding that would only increase.

Claire Alers-Hankey, agent for the promoter, advised the committee of the assessment of the site and advised that the issues with it were not insurmountable. The promoter was aware of the heritage sensitivity, but there were good connections for commercial traffic and Devon County Council were content with the highway improvements that would be undertaken to deliver the site.

Ward Member Cllr Howe advised the committee that, leaving aside the impact to the green wedge, there was still availability for businesses at the Science Park and therefore an allocation on this site was not required.

Committee agreed to move on to the next site allocation.