Three self-build plots at Land Between 9 And 21 Main Road, Uffington

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to three serviced self-build or custom-build plots, with access from Main Road.

“The application seeks outline permission (all matters reserved apart from access) for the phased development of up to 3no. serviced plots for self-build/custom house building. The site would be accessed from a new access to the southwest of the site onto Main Road.”

“The illustrative Site Plan, drawing ref. 714_GA00_03 Rev B details that there would be three plots in a cul-de-sac arrangement, orientated to the centre and southwest section of the site. To the northeast of the site there would be open space with tree planting, and to the southeast of the site tree planting. The hedgerows and trees to the boundaries would be retained as existing.”

Officer report

The site

The site is agricultural land and important open space within the Conservation Area, with hedgerows, trees, footpaths and an existing field access.

“The application site is located to the east of no.9 Main Street and west of no.21 Main Street, on the edge of the village of Uffington. To the west of the site is a cluster of modern dwellings (no.s 1-9). To the north of these dwellings, the north and west of the site, and to the south of Main Road, is open countryside. There is a boundary hedgerow to the north, east and west of the site, and trees with hedgerow to the south of the site adjacent to Main Road.”

“The site is a rectangular site, with an existing field access and would require a new site access onto Main Road within the village 30mph speed restriction. There is a pedestrian footway connecting the site the village. There is a public right of way, a public footpath, to the west of the site PROW Public Footpath Uffi/5/1 and a further public footpath to the northeast of the site PROW Public Foopath Uffi/5/2.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Five earlier housing applications on the site were refused between 2014 and 2021.

“S21/2153 Erection of 2no. Detached Dwellings including means of access Refused 16/12/2021”

“Erection of 3 dwellings and creation of a vehicular access Refused 03/06/2014”

Officer report

What consultees said

The Parish Council supported the proposal, highways and water consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, and the Conservation Officer identified heritage harm.

“Where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal.” This outline application is for access only and should South Kesteven District Council decide in favour of granting permission, we would advise that to prevent further impact on the RPG, this should be subject to standard conditions for protected species, drainage,…”

“The site in question is an unused and untended plot of land. The proposal for three serviced self build plots is considered to enhance the appearance of the main road and will help to integrate the four dwellings to the west of Uffington more closely into the village community. During the site meeting, a concern was raised regarding the future purchase of the land.”

Officer report

Public representations

No public representation letters were received, while the applicant’s community consultation found support from some residents and neutrality or objection from others.

“Representations received as a result of publicity 6.1 This application has been advertised in accordance with the Council's Statement of Community Involvement, and 0 letters of representation have been received. Evaluation 7.1 Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that the Local Planning Authority makes decisions in accordance with the adopted Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.”

“(Development on the Edge of Settlements), the site would result in three further dwellings on the edge of the village. The application has been accompanied by a Statement of Community Involvement (November 2025). The statement details fieldwork where a person visited every house in the village over two days and received a response from 48 residents in 46 households.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A District Councillor, a Parish Councillor and the applicant spoke during the public speaking session.

What members debated

Members discussed the site’s sensitivity, self-build need, access, trees, building height, design, open countryside and the effect on heritage settings.

“During questions to public speakers, Members commented on the following: - It was confirmed that Mill Mount could still be accessed via the public footpath which had previously been diverted. - Tree maintenance would be the responsibility of the homeowners. - It was confirmed that the adjacent farmhouse would be the nearest listed building. - Members queried whether design consideration had been given to the building heights.”

“During questions to officers and debate, Members commented on the following: - The Planning Officer confirmed that the site was not considered to meet the planning definition of open countryside given its proximity to the village and the conservation area. - A Member suggested additional weight should be given to favourable consideration given the shortage of self-build properties.”

Minutes

The vote

The proposal was moved, seconded and agreed to authorise refusal of planning permission.

“It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to REFUSE planning permission for the following reasons: The proposed dwellings would not be located within a substantially built up frontage, nor the main built up part of the settlement.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was refused because the development would harm the area’s character and the settings of the Conservation Area and a listed building.

“The site is located on the edge of the settlement, within the Conservation Area and within the Kesteven Uplands Character Area. The development would encroach into open countryside and would result in less than substantial harm to the setting and significance of the conservation area, the setting of the adjacent Grade II listed building, West Hall Farm.”

Minutes