Issue - meetings

Development next to M5 and north of Topsham, Clyst Road, Sandygate, Exeter
Proposed use: Mixed, including 2.4ha employment land

Number of dwellings: 510

Officer recommendation: Allocate

Stuart Houlet of PCL Planning on behalf of the landowner, described the site as a logical extension to Exeter.  The site could accommodate a mixed use which would include affordable housing. Due to the proximity of the M5 the site had good travel links.  A masterplan for the site, in conjunction with Clge_24, would provide a development with links to facilities.

Cllr Manser of Clyst St George Parish Council, described the site as being an orphaned development, with no link to Clyst St Mary.  Rydon Lane was narrow and one way traffic; Clyst Road into Topsham was single track with no footpath.  Access to the bus stop and facilities was too far away to be sustainable. He felt the site allocation should be rejected.

The committee were shown the site in relation to existing settlements, and the Exeter proposed allocations on the other side of the district boundary to this site. The site was accepted as linear, with facilities being reached either towards Exeter or to Topsham.  A partnership approach was needed with Exeter and their allocations.  A masterplan would be required, with consideration of north and south cycle/foot paths and could include and support a primary school and a community hall.

Ward Member Cllr Howe felt that any dwellings in the centre of the linear site may struggle to access facilities.

The committee discussed the need for masterplanning, working with Exeter City Council. It could include opening access to the Clyst Valley flood plain to make into a country park.  Rydon Lane limitations were highlighted, and if enough CIL contributions could be generated to fund such a level of infrastructure.

The committee were advised that Exeter City Council were at a similar stage of production of their Local Plan, and that they could confer with them to agree a degree of policy wording to link the sites across the boundary.  Committee considered inclusion of Clge_20 and Clge_24a with this site as one allocation.

This was proposed by the Chair but fell at the vote.

Committee discussed a further review of the site, in conjunction with Clge_20 and Clge_24a, be undertaken and brought back for further consideration.

Committee requested that a review of site N_Topsham (Development next to M5 and north of Topsham, Clyst Road, Sandygate, Exeter), in conjunction with  Clge_20 and Clge_24a, be undertaken and brought back to committee; and agreed to move on to the next site allocation.

Clge_20 East of Clyst Road, Topsham
Proposed use: Housing
Number of dwellings: 46
Officer recommendation: Allocate

This site was included for consideration with site N_Topsham.

Clge_24 Clyst Road, Topsham
Proposed use: Housing
Number of dwellings: 72
Officer recommendation: Allocate part site Clge_24a

This site, Clge_24a, was included for consideration with site NTopsham.

In respect of Clge_24b, Committee agreed to move on to the next site allocation.

Clge_08 Land  ...  view the full minutes text for item 197