28 affordable homes at 72-78 Military Road, Colchester

What was proposed

The application sought 28 affordable flats and terraced homes, with gardens, landscaping, drainage, access works and other infrastructure.

“Description of the Proposal 4.1 The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of 28 affordable dwellings comprising a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom flats, and 2, 3 and 4 bedroom terraced dwellings. The scheme also includes associated amenity spaces, hard and soft landscaping and other associated on-site infrastructure.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The brownfield site had been used for car sales and servicing and was surrounded by homes, shops, a restaurant and a listed church.

“Site Description and Context 3.1 The site is situated to the south-east of Colchester City Centre and was previously used for car sales and servicing. There were formerly two large buildings on the site associated with these uses; however, they have recently been demolished and the materials removed. The site now comprises almost entirely hard surfacing, with only small areas of sparse vegetation.”

“The site benefits from an existing vehicular access off Military Road. To the north and east are established residential properties. To the south lie 90–94 Military Road, comprising a convenience store with a flat above, a dwelling, and a restaurant, as well as St John’s Orthodox Church, a Grade II* listed building known as the ‘Garrison Church’.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the scheme policy-compliant overall, with significant affordable housing benefits, suitable design and no material harm subject to conditions.

“The development is expected to deliver clear and significant benefits through the provision of 28 affordable dwellings on a highly accessible brownfield site. The scheme will also achieve an appropriate quality of design, delivering enhancements to the character and appearance of the area, while making efficient use of land. Furthermore, subject to conditions, the proposal does not give rise to any significant concerns in respect of wider material planning considerations.”

“The development is considered to accord with the development plan when read as a whole. Taking into account the range of benefits associated with the proposal, and the absence of any significant harm or policy conflict, the application is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while the Cycle Campaign questioned connections, cycle parking and highway improvements; no neighbours responded.

“Colchester Cycle Campaign: Object – concerns are raised regarding connections to Goodey Close, the lack of detail on cycle parking. It has also…”

“Officer comments: Pedestrian and cycle permeability/connections are considered in the main body of the report, as are the adequacy of any proposed cycle parking provisions. The Highway Authority has requested highway improvements that are considered necessary, directly related to the development and fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development. Such matters and the proposed access arrangements are considered further in the report.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported the application, highlighting affordable housing, parking, cycling, the pedestrian link, sustainability measures and consultation.

What members discussed

Members questioned parking, sustainability, cycle provision and management of communal spaces, and accepted a proposal to expand the relevant management condition.

“EV charging points, which would be a Building Regulations requirement, were proposed on the site plan and cycle parking would be provided for each unit. In response to questions about sustainability, the Principal Planning Officer confirmed that the scheme included the provision of solar panels and air source heat pumps, which was a requirement that that flowed through building regulations and energy efficient standards.”

“In this way, condition 11 would cover management of the hard and soft landscaping, with relevant specifications to be agreed with the council in advance. And condition 13 would cover responsibility for maintenance and management of internal communal areas, including communal storage areas, circulation spaces and internal stairwells. Members expressed themselves content with this suggestion.”

Minutes