Five detached dwellings at Fallow Corner Drove, Manea

What was proposed

The application sought five detached dwellings, with access, parking, landscaping, drainage, boundary treatments and biodiversity measures, following permission in principle for up to five homes.

“PROPOSAL 3.1. The proposal seeks full planning permission for the erection of 5 detached dwellings on land north of Cherry Tree House, Fallow Corner Drove, Manea, together with the formation of a private access road, parking, landscaping, surface water drainage infrastructure, boundary treatments and biodiversity enhancements. The development follows an extant Planning in Principle consent (ref. F/YR23/0939/PIP) for up to five dwellings, granted in May 2024.”

“The scheme would be served by a single access from Fallow Corner Drove leading to a private internal drive. The dwellings are arranged around this access road, with Plots 1–3 positioned along the north-eastern side of the site and Plots 4 and 5 located to the south-eastern part of the development. Each dwelling occupies an individual plot with private amenity space and off-street parking.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is the rear garden of Cherrytree House, accessed from Fallow Corner Drove, with farmland, trees, hedgerows and an agricultural engineering operation nearby.

“SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1. The application site consists of the rear garden associated with the existing dwelling, Cherrytree House. There is open farmland to the north and east of the site and mature boundary treatments along the eastern and western boundaries.”

“The site lies to the south of the village of Manea and is accessed via Fallow Corner Drove, mainly a single track, unclassified road which serves a number of dwellings and farmsteads. There is an existing access off Fallow Corner Drove for the existing dwelling that would be utilised for the proposed development.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Permission in principle for up to five dwellings was granted in May 2024, and outline permission for up to six dwellings was granted on nearby land in June 2025.

“SITE PLANNING HISTORY F/YR25/0238/O Erect up to 6no dwellings (outline application with all matters reserved) involving the demolition of existing buildings FJS Services Limited Fallow Corner Drove Manea Granted 30.06.2025 F/YR23/0939/PIP Permission in principle for up to 5 x dwellings Granted 30.05.2024 F/YR15/0904/F Siting of a 2-bed mobile home to form annexe ancillary to the main dwelling5 Refused 07.12.2015 F/YR12/0879/F Change of use of building from general purpose…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the design, residential amenity, highways, flood mitigation and drainage acceptable, and concluded that the benefits outweighed limited harm to character and biodiversity.

“The development is considered acceptable in design terms, providing an acceptable scheme with appropriate scale, landscaping, private amenity space, parking and servicing arrangements in accordance with Policy LP16.”

“The submitted Flood Risk Assessment demonstrates that the development can be made safe for its lifetime within Flood Zone 3 through appropriate mitigation measures, whilst the proposed drainage strategy would reduce surface water runoff rates and provide a drainage betterment over the existing situation.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council objected and requested £2,000 per dwelling, while highways raised no objection subject to conditions and environmental consultees identified mitigation requirements.

“CONSULTATIONS 5.1. Manea Parish Council The council objected to the outline application and continue to do so. Note: The council requests a sum of £2000 per dwelling for community projects if the planning authority are minded to approve.”

“Cambridgeshire County Council Highways Authority Recommendation Following a careful review of the documents provided to the Local Highway Authority as part of the above planning application, the effect of the proposed development upon the public highway would likely be mitigated if the following conditions form part of any permission that the Local Planning Authority is minded to issue in regard to this proposal.”

Officer report

What residents said

Ten letters supported the scheme, citing additional housing, village sustainability, local services, compatibility with the area and no perceived harm to neighbours.

“Local Residents/Interested Parties The LPA received 10 letters of support for the scheme from addresses in Manea, Chatteris, March, Wisbech and Emneth. One letter received stated no reasons for support. The principal reasons advanced in the remaining letters received are summarised below:”

“Supporting Comments Officer Response Provision of additional housing to meet local need Matters relating to the Principle of Development are discussed in more detail below. Supports the long-term sustainability of Manea and helps retain local families. Helps retain local families within the community Close to village services and facilities, including the school and shop. Considered to be in keeping with the character and appearance of the village.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent told members that the site already had permission in principle, technical reports raised no objections, and the application was recommended for approval.

The committee vote

Councillor Marks proposed, and Councillor Purser seconded, granting the application in line with the officer recommendation.

“Proposed by Councillor Marks, seconded by Councillor Purser and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes