All Members stated that they had been lobbied.

The Committee considered the report and the urgent update report of the Head of Development Management.

Mr Proctor, for the applicant, and Councillor Mrs Blackmore (in support) addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That permission be refused for the reason set out in the report and the following additional reason:-

The application site features habitats potentially suitable for protected species and in the absence of an ecological survey to identify the presence or otherwise of such species, the extent that they may be affected by the proposed development and any mitigation measures, it has not been demonstrated that the development would not result in harm to biodiversity interests contrary to advice within PPS9 and Circular 06/2005.

Voting:  12 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions