5 to 6 dwellings at Land Off Derby Road, Doveridge

“The permission in principle consent route is an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing-led development which separates the consideration of matters of principle from the technical details of the development. The permission in principle consent route is a two-stage process, (i) permission in principle and (ii) technical details consent.”

“When considering an application for permission in principle, the scope of consideration is limited to location, land use and amount of development. Issues relevant to these 'in principle' matters should be considered at the permission in principle stage. If PIP is granted, the applicant will then need to submit an application for Technical Details Consent (TDC).”

“The application site comprises an irregular parcel of land currently in agricultural use on the edge of Doveridge. The site is enclosed predominantly by existing hedgerows with access provided from Yelt Lane which abuts the eastern boundary of the site. Surrounding land uses comprise mainly agricultural fields with few dwellings and a commercial yard directly to the west of the site.”

“No relevant planning history for the site.”

“Policy PD5 deals specifically with landscape character and states that the Council will seek to protect, enhance and restore the landscape character of the area. This will be achieved by requiring that development has particular regard to maintaining landscape feature and landscape. Development that would harm or be detrimental to the character of the local and wider landscape or the setting of a settlement will be resisted.”

“The application site is located outside the defined settlement boundary and is within open countryside and is currently undeveloped agricultural land. It is considered that the development would constitute an uncharacteristic encroachment in the countryside, resulting in a significant and harmful urbanising effect on the prevailing rural character of the area and countryside, which is important to the overall setting of Doveridge.”

“17.02.2026 No objection in principle. Recommend the following documents to be submitted at technical consent stage should permission be granted: • PEA, pre and post development plans, BNG Metric, draft Gain Plan. Environment Agency No objection. 27.01.2026 No objection in principle. Foul drainage details required at technical consent stage. Doveridge Parish Council Object. 05.”

“Two representations have been received from local residents in objection to the proposal with comments relating to material planning issues summarised below: -”

“- Doveridge is an ancient village surrounded by agricultural land and it is imperative that any development should not destroy the village any further as it has grown significantly in recent years. - The village already has an end point and in my opinion this development extends the village above that and is excessive and therefore creates a disturbed visual impact of the village and its rurality.”

“That planning permission in principle be refused for the reasons set out in section 8.0 of the officer report.”

“It is recommended that planning permission is be refused for the following reasons:”

“The proposal would result in an unwarranted and incongruous form of residential development that would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of this countryside location. It is considered that the level of harm would not be outweighed by public benefits to be derived from the provision of 5 to 6 dwellings to address the District Council’s lack of a five year housing land supply. As such, the proposals are contrary to the…”