Up to 9 homes at 27B Westfield Road, Manea, March

What is proposed

The application seeks outline permission for up to nine homes, demolishing existing buildings and creating an access, with access the only committed matter.

“Erect up to 9 x dwellings involving the demolition of existing buildings and the formation of an access (outline application with matters committed in respect of access)”

“The application seeks outline planning permission for up to 9 dwellings, involving the demolition of existing buildings, matters are committed in respect of access only, with the main access serving the dwellings and 27A Westfield Road.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.59-hectare site is a tyre depot on Westfield Road, with hardstanding, buildings, two existing entrances and an overgrown rear area.

“The site is located on the southern side of Westfield Road and extends to approximately 0.59 hectares. The frontage comprises hardstanding areas, including a mixture of gravel and concrete, with additional concrete surfacing surrounding the existing buildings. These buildings are constructed of brick and materials that appear to include asbestos cladding. The site is currently occupied by City 1st Tyres, with the yard used for external storage.”

“The site lies within Flood Zone 1 and is therefore at a low risk of fluvial flooding. However, parts of the site are identified as being at low risk of surface water flooding.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered that brownfield redevelopment, housing and the revised layout outweighed limited concerns, with outstanding matters capable of control through conditions.

“The application seeks outline planning permission for the demolition of the existing tyre depot buildings and the redevelopment of the site for up to 9 dwellings. The site is located within the settlement of Manea, identified as a Growth Village under Policy LP3 of the Fenland Local Plan, where residential growth is supported in principle.”

“Whilst some matters remain to be resolved through Reserved Matters and planning conditions, including detailed design, landscaping, drainage, ecology, biodiversity gain, archaeological investigation and foul water infrastructure, there is no substantive evidence before the Local Planning Authority to indicate that these matters could not be satisfactorily addressed through the planning process.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council objected, highways and flood officers raised no objection to key matters, while Anglian Water maintained foul drainage concerns that could be addressed by conditions.

“Condition: no development shall commence until a strategic foul water strategy has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local Planning Authority, in consultation with Anglian Water. This strategy will identify the most sustainable point of connection to the public foul network. Prior to occupation, the foul water drainage works must have been carried out in complete accordance with the approved scheme.”

“From the details submitted to support the planning application the proposed method of surface water management does not relate to Anglian Water operated assets. As such, we are unable to provide comments on the suitability of the surface water management. The Local Planning Authority should seek the advice of the Lead Local Flood Authority or the Internal Drainage Board.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Four local residents supported replacing ageing commercial buildings with housing, providing homes, improving the site and reducing some vehicle movements.

“Supporting Comments Officer Response Supporters consider that the redevelopment of the existing commercial site for housing would represent a more appropriate use within the surrounding residential area and would improve the appearance of the site through the removal of ageing industrial buildings.”

“The impact of the development on neighbouring residential amenity, including privacy, overlooking, outlook and general living conditions is considered in the below assessment. It is considered that the existing commercial use generates significant HGV, delivery and employee traffic and that the proposed residential use would result in fewer and less intensive vehicle movements.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The agent supported the scheme, describing brownfield regeneration, relocation of the business and officers’ work with technical consultees.

Members’ discussion

Members considered drainage, infrastructure contributions, contamination and the proposal’s policy compliance before expressing support for the application.

“Members asked officers the following questions: • Councillor Benney stated that Manea Parish Council have stated that they would like £2,000 per unit for this application and he asked officers whether the application is subject to Section 106 contributions as, in his opinion, contributions are for 10 houses and above but he has seen much speculation online that it is five units and he asked for clarity.”

“Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows: • Councillor Benney expressed the opinion that this is a policy compliant scheme and the officer’s recommendation is correct. • Councillor Connor stated that he is pleased to see such a thorough contamination report and the officer’s report, along with the construction management plan, is also very comprehensive and he will be looking to support this policy compliant application.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee agreed a proposal to approve the application in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Imafidon and agreed that the application be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes