Bus stop condition variation at Land Opposite Kingshall Farmhouse, Kingshall Street

What was proposed

The application sought to change when the bus stop scheme must be implemented for the approved 13-home development.

“Prior to the occupation of the new development a scheme of bus stop provision to serve the hereby permitted development shall have been provided, in accordance with details previously submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“The scheme was due to implemented on 30 April 2026, however due to an obstruction in the highway, this was not possible. A permit was obtained to carry out the works, but this subsequently expired and Barley Homes are in the process of applying for another road closure. Given the unexpected delay, the application is seeking an alteration to the condition to change occupational trigger from first occupation to occupation of the 13 th dwelling.”

Officer report

The site

The site is undeveloped agricultural land within Rougham’s settlement boundary, beside Kingshall Street and near homes, agricultural buildings and fields.

“The site comprises undeveloped agricultural land with residential properties to the north, Kingshall Street to the east, agricultural buildings to the south and fields to the west and north west. The site is partially bounded to the north by a fence and hedge together with a small number…”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered outline and detailed approval for 13 homes, followed by amendments and discharge of several conditions, including the bus stop condition.

“DCON(D)/23/1777 Application to discharge conditions 14 (boundary treatment) and 24 (bus stop provision) of DC/23/1777/FUL Application Granted 8 July 2025”

“DCON(E)/23/1777 Application to discharge footpath condition as detailed on NMA(A)/23/1777 of DC/23/1777/FUL Application Granted 15 August 2025”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the amended deadline would not undermine the development and would continue supporting sustainable transport and safe access.

“The aim of this was to promote and facilitate access to sustainable transport modes and to provide safe and suitable access for all users. Policy LP41 requires new or improved sustainable links, improvements to public transport infrastructure through upgrading bus and/or rail links, providing well-designed facilities, passenger information infrastructure, protection and enhancement of public transport routes, bus stops, provision of shelters and safe and suitable access…”

“Officers are of the opinion that amending this wording does not undermine the principle of the approved development and still seeks to satisfy the aims of policy LP41 in relation to sustainable transport modes.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three resident objectors spoke against the application, using written statements read by the Democratic Services Officer.

The committee debate

Members questioned bus stop accessibility and the delayed trigger; officers said the proposal complied with accessibility requirements and the highways authority was satisfied.

“Councillor Lora-Jane Miller-Jones raised queries in connection with the accessibility of the proposed bus stop.”

“The Senior Planning Officer further confirmed that the Local Highways Authority was also satisfied with the trigger as proposed.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation was seconded and passed unanimously.

“Councillor David Smith proposed that the application be approved, as per the Officer recommendation. This was duly seconded by Councillor Ian Houlder.”

“At this point Councillor Sara Mildmay-White opted to leave the meeting and not take part in the vote, despite receiving advice from the Legal Advisor that it was not required necessary for her to do so.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted with the revised bus stop deadline and the listed planning conditions.

“Planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

“…have been provided and thereafter the area(s) shall be retained, maintained and used for no other purposes. Bus stop Prior to the occupation of the new development a scheme of bus stop provision to serve the hereby permitted development shall have been provided, in accordance with details previously submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes