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Billericay Town Council |
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The Loft, Crown Yard, High Street, Billericay, CM12 9BX |
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| Telephone 01277 625732 FAX 01277 634784 townclerk@billericaytowncouncil.gov.uk | |
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PLANNING POLICY (As approved by the Town Council on 20th October 2005) Introduction Since the creation of Billericay Town Council in 1997 the Planning Committee has considered over two thousand planning applications. An analysis of the objections raised and submitted to the Planning Officers at Basildon District Council reveals that over this period the committee has identified specific objectives and standards that, although not documented, form the basis for the objections raised and provide a degree of consistency in decision making. These standards and objectives have now been documented as a Planning Policy by the Planning Committee and approved by the full Town Council. They will be forwarded for the information of the Planning Officers at Basildon District Council. It is hoped that the outcome will be a greater acceptance and appreciation by planning officers of the comments raised by the planning committee. The elements of the policy are defined in broad terms and it is hoped that each of the elements can later be expanded to be more precise in their definition. One example for element 7c could be the non acceptance of flat roofed dormers to the front of premises where they conflict with adjoining premises or the visual appearance of the street scene in general. Planning Policy The following matters of Planning Policy are not listed in any order of priority or importance. 1. To seek to identify areas within the town council boundary which should be subject to special environmental status 2. To seek to limit the growth of the built-up area in future development plans. 3. To seek to contain the built-up area within the current boundaries. 4. To oppose unsuitable development within the green belt. 5. To ensure the use of sympathetic design, colour and use of materials for developments and alterations within the conservation area. 6. To ensure the use of only externally illuminated signs for retail premises within the High Street 7.For individual developments within the town council area, to allow a variety and freedom of development style but as defined by the constraints set by: The conservation area Proximity to other property, Design and appearance of nearby properties Potential nuisance, Highways considerations, and Size in relation to plot size; 8. To discourage backland development and plot splitting; 9. To maintain the generally open aspect of estate developments 10. To seek to restrict developments involving multiple occupation to locations where such larger buildings are in keeping with the adjoining premises and densities. 11. To contain commercial and industrial use within the present limits, but to support any proposals for a modest extent of craft or similar enterprises. 12. To seek to retain retail outlets of value to the town and encourage a greater range of outlets.13. To oppose developments outside the built-up areas, only permitting replacements similar in size to those existing, or minor extensions to existing properties and alterations which do not significantly expand the scale or mass of the existing dwelling. 14. To consider all development proposals, particularly those for large-scale development, in the wider context of the potential benefits, drawbacks and impact on the town as a whole. 15. To support the downgrading of the speed limits in the vicinity of schools. 16. To seek to get weight and size restrictions on through traffic using the High Street. 17. To seek an increase in resources being spent on road maintenance, etc. 18. To seek efficient repair or replacement of street lighting. 19. To ensure all telecommunication masts and associated equipment are: located where there is minimal detrimental affect on visual amenity and health of local residents shared between suppliers to reduce the number of masts and where a proposal is rejected, an alternative location is suggested 20. To support the continuing provision of open spaces. 21. To encourage the provision of additional public, or permitted, open spaces. 22. To support the use of land for neighbourhood friendly leisure use. 23. To maintain and extend the footpath, cycle path and bridle-way network. 24. To respond by recommendations and comments, as appropriate, to every planning application and appeal. 25. To work with the District Council Planning department so as to ensure that the Town Council’s viewpoint is fully understood.
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