Six-bedroom self-build dwelling at Plot 4 Land South Of Field View, Mill Hill Lane, March

The site and surroundings

The site is on the eastern side of a poorly maintained single-track byway, with hedges, mature trees and a Grade II listed building nearby.

“The application site lies on the eastern side of Mill Hill Lane, a single track public byway that is in a poor state of repair and characterised by large potholes. The site is positioned to the south east of existing development along Mill Hill Lane.”

“The plot is served by an established gated access and includes an area of hardstanding. Boundary treatment comprises hedging and mature trees. To the north east is Owl Barn Lodge, a Grade II listed building.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

The site forms part of an approved four-dwelling self-build scheme, and the current proposal changes Plot 4’s design, height, accommodation and outbuildings.

“The site forms part of a wider scheme that benefits from planning permission under reference F/YR22/0890/F for four self-build or custom build dwellings with garages. That permission was granted on 27 July 2023 and remains extant.”

“Under the approved scheme, Plot 4 comprised a two storey four bedroom dwelling measuring approximately 14.4 metres by 12.2 metres with a ridge height of 8.8 metres.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal proportionate, acceptable in design and amenity terms, and compliant with relevant planning policies subject to conditions.

“The proposal seeks to vary the design of the dwelling previously approved, amendments include an increased ridge height to facilitate additional accommodation within the roofspace, two additional outbuilding and design changes. The dwelling is considered to remain proportionate to the plot and acceptable in design terms, in accordance with Policy LP16 of the Fenland Local Plan.”

“The proposal has been assessed in relation to residential amenity, heritage impacts, highway safety, flood risk, ecology and landscaping matters. Subject to conditions, the development is not considered to result in unacceptable harm to neighbouring amenity under Policies LP2 and LP16, the setting of the nearby Grade II listed building under Policy LP18, or highway safety in accordance with Policy LP15.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

The Town Council supported approval subject to drainage management, while consultees raised no continuing objections to environmental, heritage, highway, footpath or water matters.

“Recommends approval subject to there being satisfactory provision for the management and maintenance of the storm water drainage ditch.”

“No objection, but note that the byway will only be maintained to the County Council’s standards for byways and recommend the LPA to consider whether this constitutes a sustainable location. Recommend a condition securing on-site parking and turning area and informatives regarding works in the public highway and watercourse management. All of which can be included, should the application be approved.”

Officer report

Residents’ comments

Objections focused on effects on Birch Lodge, including privacy, light, outlook, overbearing impact, design and the nearby footpath; support cited design, drainage and housing benefits.

“Objecting Comments Officer Response Birch Lodge will be disadvantaged by the proposal. Comments noted and discussed within the below report. Policies breached by the proposal. Comments noted and discussed within the below report. Loss of privacy, light, outlook and overbearing impact to Birch Lodge Comments noted and discussed within the below report. Scale and design of proposal, contrary to National Design Guide H1 and NPPF alongside Local Plan.”

“Supporting Comments Officer Response Good to see more appropriate housing come forward Comments noted and discussed within the below report. Well designed dwelling and in keeping with character and appearance of the surrounding area Comments noted and discussed within the below report. Excellent use of land Comments noted and discussed within the below report.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector raised concerns about the dwelling and garage, while the agent supported approval and disputed their height, separation and overshadowing effects.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the large number of representations, the road’s poor condition, the public right of way, building heights and possible early-morning shadowing.

“Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows: • Councillor Mrs French stated that several years ago there was only two houses down here and over the years, the numbers have crept up but her only concern is the state of the actual road and there is a public right of way there. She added that she has never known in all these years to have so many letters for one single dwelling, which are not even received for major developments.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Marks proposed approval, Councillor Imafidon seconded it, and members agreed to grant the application as recommended.

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

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted in accordance with the officer recommendation, subject to conditions securing matters including trees, access, parking, drainage, ecology, landscaping and renewable energy.

“Reason - To ensure adequate access to the development can be achieved, in accordance with Policies LP2, LP15 and LP16 of the Fenland Local Plan 2014 4 Prior to the first occupation of the development the proposed on site parking/turning area shall be laid out in accordance with the approved plans, surfaced in a bound material and drained within the site.”

“Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and to ensure that the proposed development is carried out as approved, in accordance with Local Plan Policy LP16. The renewable energy features including the provision of solar panels alongside the air source heat pump and a rainwater harvesting system shall be implemented in accordance with the details as approved.”

Officer report