One self-build dwelling at Lyndhurst, Storage Building, Longstanton

What was proposed

Reserved matters were sought for Plot 4, covering access, appearance, landscaping, layout, scale, parking and infrastructure for one dwelling.

“Report contents Document section Document heading 1 Executive summary 2 Site description and context 3 The proposal 4 Relevant site history 5 Policy 6 Consultations 7 Third party representations 8 Member representations 9 Local groups / petitions 10 Planning background 11 Assessment 12 Principle of development 13 Reserved matters 14 Carbon reduction and sustainable design 15 Biodiversity 16 Water management and flood risk 17 Highway safety and transport 18 Cycle and car…”

“The principle of development was permitted under the outline consent reference 25/01936/OUT. The application proposes details for plot 4 only, as well as the access track connecting to Station Road to the west.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The brownfield site contains a storage and distribution unit, hardstanding, an existing access road, neighbouring housing and open grassland.

“Site description and context 2.1 The site is a brownfield site comprising a B8 storage and distribution unit with associated ancillary structures, business vehicle parking and a large area of gravel and hardstanding. At present, the area of open grassland to the east of the application site is used for retailing Christmas Trees in November and December each year. The grass area is maintained but the area is unused for the remainder of the year.”

“The application site more specifically comprises the northeastern corner of the site and the access road which runs the length of the site and towards the access connecting the site to Station Road to the west.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Outline permission allowed four self-build dwellings after demolition of the storage building, and permissions also exist for dwellings elsewhere on the site.

“Outline permission was granted under application ref 25/01936/OUT for demolition of an existing B8 storage and distribution building and removal of car parking area / hardstanding and the erection of four self-build dwellings.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council made no recommendation, while archaeology, highways, ecology, environmental health, drainage, sustainability and trees consultees raised no objections.

“Willingham Parish Council 6.1 No Recommendation County Archaeology- No Objection 6.2 Application to discharge Condition 10 (archaeology) has been received and can be discharged. County Highways Development Management 6.3 No Objection Ecology Officer- No Objection 6.4 Conditions on the outline permission still stand Environmental Health- No Objection 6.5 Contaminated land – Conditions on the outline permission still stand…”

“Health – Conditions on the outline permission still stand Sustainable Drainage Officer- No Objection 6.7 Conditions on the outline permission still stand Sustainability Officer- No Objection 6.8 Conditions on the outline planning permission still stand Tree Officer 6.9 No Objection 7. Third party representations 7.1 No third party representations have been received.”

Officer report

Public representations

No third-party representations, councillor representations, local group comments or petitions were received.

“The above representations are a summary of the comments that have been received. Full details of the representations are available on the Council’s website. Member Representations 8.1 No Councillor representations have been received.”

Officer report

Questions about the proposal

Officers explained how bespoke self-build design works, how occupation would be secured and that the applicant’s council employment brought no additional assistance.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the dwelling modest, appropriate to its corner position, consistent with the outline permission and in keeping with the area.

“During debate the Committee considered the following issues: i. The proposed development was a modest dwelling in the corner of the site. ii. The development was appropriate and in accordance with the parameters set out in the outline planning permission; there was no reason to refuse the application. iii. Noted the principal of development had been approved and considered the proposed development was in line with the nature and character of the area.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

The committee unanimously approved the application subject to the conditions in the officer recommendation, with minor amendments delegated to officers.

“The Delivery Manager summarised the recommendation set out on p38 of the agenda for approval of the application subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report with delegated authority for officers to make minor amendments to the conditions as drafted.”

“By unanimous vote, the Committee approved the application subject to: • The planning conditions set out in the officer’s report with minor amendments to the conditions as drafted delegated to officers.”

Minutes

Conditions of approval

Approval included the listed plans and obscure glazing with opening restrictions for first-floor southern windows to prevent overlooking.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans as listed on this decision notice.”

“The development, hereby permitted, shall not be occupied until the proposed first floor windows in the southern elevation of the development have, apart from any top hung vent, been fitted with obscured glazing (meeting as a minimum Pilkington Standard level 3 or equivalent in obscurity and shall be fixed shut or have restrictors to ensure that the windows cannot be opened more than 45 degrees beyond the plane of the adjacent wall.”

Officer report