Up to five dwellings at Arrow Bridge House, Arrow, Alcester

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to five dwellings, associated works and demolition of existing houses and buildings, with only access decided.

“Application Ref. 26/00496/OUT Site Address: Arrow Bridge House, Arrow, Alcester B49 5PH Description of Development: Outline application (All matters reserved except for access) for the erection of up to 5 dwellings and associated works including demolition of existing houses and buildings.”

Officer report

The site

The site is in open countryside, next to a built-up area boundary, with protected trees and part of its access in the Green Belt.

“Open Countryside • Adjacent to BUAB • TPO Trees • Part of vehicle access in Green Belt…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier application for seven custom-build dwellings was refused and its appeal dismissed; another application for alterations was withdrawn.

“Reference Number Proposal Decision and Date 24/01048/OUT Proposed development of 7 custom build dwellings (4 new dwellings and 3 replacement dwellings) with all matters reserved except access Refused 08.10.2024 Appeal Dismissed APP/J3720/W/24/3358017 22.07.2025 23/00284/FUL Remodel of existing dwellinghouses through extensions and external alterations. Withdrawn 01.03.2023”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the housing supply shortfall gave significant weight to the proposal and its harms would not significantly outweigh its benefits.

“As detailed above, due the lack of 5-year housing land supply, the tilted balance is engaged and I have not identified any strong reasons for refusal in relation to assets or areas in Footnote 7. As such, significant weight is afforded to the tilted balance. The net contribution of 4 dwellings to the currently substandard housing land supply is afforded significant weight in favour of the application.”

“In this case, although I acknowledge the conflicts with the development plan in respect of landscape, character and the location of new housing development, I still have to consider that the development of 5 dwellings (net 4 additional dwellings) in an area which 2.21 years worth of land supply is given significant weight in the consideration of this application. Consequently, the associated harms of the development must significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, ecology, fire and rescue, environmental health, and waste services raised no objections subject to stated conditions or requirements.

“Warwickshire County Council Fire and Rescue (WCC Fire and Rescue):”

“Comment: No objection subject to meeting fire access requirements Date: 20/03/2026”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke with another person available to answer questions, and the ward member addressed the committee.

The committee’s decision

After considering the application and representations, members proposed granting permission in line with the officer recommendation, with an archaeological assessment condition.

“Having considered the application and the representations made at the meeting, a Motion of GRANT, in accordance with the recommendation detailed in the report, and subject to an additional condition pertaining to an archaeological assessment, was proposed by Councillor Edden and seconded by Councillor Flemming.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion was supported by eight votes, with one abstention.

“Thereafter, by 8 votes in favour, with 1 abstention, it was…”

Minutes

What was decided

Permission was granted with the report’s 13 conditions and four notes, plus an additional condition requiring an archaeological assessment.

“That Planning Application 26/00496/OUT be GRANTED subject to the following (the detailed wording of which be delegated to Officers):”

“13 conditions contained in the report; • An additional condition pertaining to an archaeological assessment; and • 4 notes contained in the report.”

Minutes