It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Independent Group and the Conservative Group, the membership of the Committee had been amended for this meeting by including Councillors Stockman and Brooks instead of Councillors Mills and Hill respectively.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Dart.

To consider an application for the construction of 130 residential dwellings with access roads, infrastructure and public open space in outline, the proposal includes the demolition of existing buildings on the site. 

The Committee considered an application for the construction of 130 residential dwellings with access roads, infrastructure, and public open space, the proposal included the demolition of existing buildings on the site.  The application was accompanied by an Environmental Statement.  The application was a departure from the Local Plan.  The planning application was in outline with access, layout, scale and landscaping to be determined at this stage and with appearance to be determined at reserved matters stage.

Prior to the meeting, Members of the Planning Committee undertook a site visit and written representations were published on the Council’s website.  At the meeting Elaine Waugh, Philip James Trayhorn, and Brian Harland addressed the Committee against the application.  Brixham Town Councillor David Blackmore addressed the Committee against the application.

In accordance with Standing Order B4.1, Councillors Brown and Morey addressed the meeting on the application.

At the meeting, the Legal Officer to the Committee referred to a late representation from the Applicants requesting an adjournment of the meeting.  The Officer summarised the letter and advised the Committee that the officers considered that the application had been properly dealt with and there was no reason for an adjournment of the meeting.

Resolved (unanimously):

That planning permission be refused for the reasons set out in the submitted report with the addition of the following:

1)    Loss of tourism.

2)    The lack of consideration of the viability of the caravan site.

3)    Loss of employment.

4)    Consideration of Torbay policies TO1 and TO2 and policies TO1, E6 and E7 of the Brixham Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan.

5)    The lack of an HRA.

The final drafting of reasons for refusal and addressing any material considerations that, may come to light to be delegated to the Divisional Director for Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency.

(Note:  Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 6, Councillor Stockman declared a non-pecuniary interest as she had an historic friendship with the owners and had been involved in the creation of the Brixham Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and Councillor Brooks declared a non-pecuniary interest as she was a member of the AONB Board.)