Two homes with garages at Swinderby Road, South Scarle

What was proposed

The application sought two detached dwellings with attached garages, with one three-bedroom and one four-bedroom home.

“The Proposal 3.1 This application seeks permission for 2 detached dwellings with attached garages. The proposal is a revised version of a scheme previously refused by the planning committee earlier this year. The current scheme has reduced the scale of the proposed dwellings, to reduce the visual impact. Plot 1 would have 3 bedrooms and Plot 2 would have 4 bedrooms (including one on the ground floor). The proposed elevations and indicative 3D visuals are shown below:”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was agricultural land in open countryside beside South Scarle, near a conservation area and listed buildings including a Grade I church.

“The Site 1.1 The application site lies within the open countryside, next to the village of South Scarle. The site is currently agricultural land and is adjacent to a recently constructed new dwelling, and a bungalow which has extant permission to be demolished and a new two storey dwelling built in its place.”

“The village is within a conservation area, however the site is outside of the boundary. There are various listed buildings within the village, including St Helena’s Church which is Grade I listed and located to the south west of the site (a minimum of 60m away).”

Officer report

Officers’ main assessment

Although the proposal conflicted with the countryside policy, officers considered the revised design, location, housing contribution and other impacts acceptable overall.

“Due to the lack of 5-year housing supply, the relevant development plan policies are out of date. Therefore the proposal should only be refused if there is a strong reason for refusal relating to protected areas or assets of particular importance 7 , or if the any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

“On balance, the site can be considered sustainable for this small scale proposal of 2 new dwellings. Given that the site is no longer used for agricultural purposes and is immediately adjacent to the village, it is considered the scheme would make effective use of the land.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways requested more access information, conservation and ecology officers found the revised scheme acceptable, and the parish objected.

“Consultations and Representations Please Note: Comments below are provided in summary - for comments in full please see the online planning file. Statutory Consultations: Nottinghamshire County Council (Highways) – Requested further information regarding access width and visibility splays, demonstration of how the proposed passing places would be achieved within the width of the existing driveway, and parking provision.”

“Representations/Non-Statutory Consultation: NSDC Conservation – The application has taken on board previous comments covering form, height, scale and materials. The use of stone, brick and pantiles, the traditional L- shaped plan forms, and reduced ridge heights mean there will be no harm to the conservation area and the setting will be preserved.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Eight residents supported the scheme, while nine objected over countryside development, heritage, highways, wildlife, construction, drainage and other concerns.

“Design reflects agricultural style and will be in keeping with the village • Applicants have taken on board reason for refusal from committee and have gone above and beyond to address the reason • Often cycle through South Scarle on National Cycle Network Route 64 and think this is a suitable location for the development • Development would have positive impact on house valuations in village Objections • Open countryside/edge of settlement location, conflict with DM8, need…”

“South Scarle is ‘other village’ and not for new dwellings • Site is agricultural land • Heritage concerns - Field contributes to the conservation area, development will have significant impact on conservation area and setting of listed buildings in village, including the church and Yew tree Cottage (opposite the access) • Development will spoil view of the church • Loss of amenity – noise and disruption due to construction • Concerns regarding highway and pedestrian safety…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector, the applicant and a representative of South Scarle Parish Meeting spoke to the committee.

The committee vote

The committee approved the application with six votes in favour, four against and one abstention.

“AGREED (with 6 votes For, 4 votes Against and 1 Abstention) that:”

“(a) Planning Permission be approved subject to the conditions contained within the report; (b) an additional condition to restrict construction times to: 8am – 6pm – Monday -Friday 8am – 2pm - Saturday Sunday no construction, including Bank Holidays, additional condition to be worded by the Business Manager Planning Development; and (c) a Unilateral Undertaking to secure self-build exemption for BNG”

Minutes