Self-build eco-friendly dwelling at The Orchard, Hockwold cum Wilton, Thetford

“The case officer introduced the report and explained that the application site related to a parcel of land measuring approx. 0.24Ha along Nursery Lane, Hockwold-cum-Wilton. The land was currently laid largely to grass, with a number of trees to the southern side. The site was previously in an agricultural use, with a number of store buildings which have since been removed.”

“The proposal was for the erection of self-build barn style eco-friendly dwelling. Associated landscaping works and a cart shed were also proposed as part of this application.”

“The site was outside of, but adjacent to, the development boundary for Hockwold-cum-Wilton. The dwelling immediately north of the site was No.16 and to the south was No.22.”

“The site was largely located outside of the Hockwold-cum-Wilton Conservation Area, the boundary of which ran along, and partly within, the site’s northern boundary. The Conservation Area boundary was…”

“Planning history showed that the site was previously within the ownership of No.16 Nursery Lane but appeared to have been separated. The proposal would utilise the same highway access as No.16.”

“The proposal had been revised during the application following the receipt of comments made by the Conservation Officer in objection to the proposal, resulting in a reduction in scale and a more traditional appearance. Re-consultation had been undertaken on the amended plans.”

“Conservation Officer: The Conservation Officer wishes to clarify that there is still an OBJECTION, however the level of harm is classified as a low level of less than substantial harm.”

“Assistant Director’s Comment: There is some confusion in that there is reference in the report to both the Assistant Conservation officer and Conservation officer in the report. To clarify there is an objection from Conservation, but the harm identified is classed as a low level of ‘less than substantial harm’ (using the NPPF terminology). This is to be weighed in the balance.”

“The Democratic Services Officer then carried out a roll call on the recommendation to approve the application and, after having been put to the vote, was carried (11 votes for, 1 vote against and 1 abstention).”

“A The application be Approved, subject to conditions, and subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to ensure that the dwelling was self-build. If the agreement was not completed within 4 months of the Committee resolution but reasonable progress had been made, delegated authority is granted to the Assistant Director / Planning Control Manager to continue negotiation and complete the agreement and issue the decision.”

“B If in the opinion of the Assistant Director / Planning Control Manager no reasonable progress is made to complete the agreement within 4 months of the date of the Committee resolution, the application is Refused on the failure to provide the custom and self-build dwelling in line with Policy LP31 of the Local Plan.”