60 homes at Land to The South of Bulls Lane, Welham Green, Hatfield

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to 60 homes, including at least 50% affordable housing, with access considered now and other matters reserved.

“Outline planning permission is sought for the erection of up to 60 dwellings with all matters reserved except for means of access. A minimum of 50% of the proposed dwellings would be delivered as affordable housing.”

“While the submitted drawings provide an indication of how the site could be developed, the application is for outline permission with all matters reserved except for means of access. Accordingly, if Members were minded to grant permission, only the Site Location Plan and Parameter Plan would be fixed at this stage.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

There were 100 objections and seven comments, while consultees generally raised no objection subject to conditions or obligations and the parish council objected.

“The application was advertised by means of neighbour consultation letters, press notice, and a site notice. In total 107 representations have been received including 100 objections and 7 comments. All representations received are published in full on the Council’s website.”

“The following have responded advising that they have no objections to the proposal in principle, subject to conditions and/or obligations being applied:”

Officer report

The main concerns raised

Objections focused on Green Belt loss, traffic and access, heritage, ecology, flooding, drainage, infrastructure, landscape, amenity and the outline application’s lack of detail.

“Bulls Lane is narrow, and there are concerns about highway safety, increased traffic and construction traffic. • The suitability of the two access points and existing parking pressures are questioned. • Footpaths, cycle routes and local infrastructure are considered inadequate and need improvement. • The site is viewed as car-dependent due to limited public transport.”

“Local services, including schools, healthcare and utilities, may not have capacity for additional homes. • Noise, overlooking, loss of views and general amenity impacts are expected. • Reduced open space and impacts on well-being are concerns. • The consultation process is viewed as inadequate. • Some believe housing demand is low, and fear increases in crime and antisocial behaviour. • Affordability of the proposed housing is questioned.”

Officer report

Who spoke to members

The agent supported the proposal, a residents’ representative opposed it, and representatives of the parish council and the committee also spoke against it.

The vote and decision

Members voted five to four to approve the application, subject to the stated conditions, planning obligations and checks on late evidence for new material considerations.

“Resolved: (for 5, against 4, abstain 0) To approve the grant of planning permission subject to the conditions and section 106 planning obligations set out in the report and subject to officers being satisfied, in consultation with the Chair, that no new material considerations arise from the late evidence submitted to Members prior to the meeting.”

“NOTE – Councillors Goldwater and Hobbs arrived late to the meeting during this item and therefore did not take part in the voting on this item.”

Minutes