One new dwelling at Land To The North Of Lime Kiln House, Eccles Road, East Harling

What was proposed

The application sought permission in principle for one new dwelling, garage, highway access and associated hard standing.

“DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT The application seeks permission in principle for the erection of 1 no. dwelling and garage with access.”

Officer report

The site

The site was rough grassland between residential properties, about 380 metres outside the defined settlement boundary.

“The site is currently rough grassland adjoining residential properties, both historic and newly constructed, on either side. The site lies within the Parish of Harling, but is sited approximately 380m outside of the defined Settlement Boundary.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the location was considered unsustainable, with limited safe walking, cycling and public transport options.

“The location of the development is not considered acceptable given the site’s unsustainable location. As a result, the proposal is recommended for refusal.”

“The proposed dwelling would be outside of the defined Harling Settlement Boundary and remote from local services and facilities. In the absence of convenient and safe walking and cycling routes the services and facilities available in the village, the future occupants would be largely dependent on transport by car for access to work, shopping, leisure and other purposes.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council made no comment, while environmental health, highways, trees and ecology raised no objection subject to further details where applicable.

“Parish Council No comments received. Environmental Health Officer I have looked at the application submitted and, based on the information provided to me at this time; there are no objections or comments on the grounds of Environmental Protection, subject to the application details. Highways…”

“No objection to PIP, further details required at TD stage Tree Officer No objection to principle, a Tree Survey will be required at Technical Details stage if permission granted. Ecology No objection subject to submission Technical Details stage of ecological information on European Protected Species (Bats and Great Crested Newt)”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward representative spoke in support, and the applicants addressed the committee under the public speaking arrangements.

What members considered

Members explored the application in light of relevant policies and guidance, including the conflict with Policy HOU03 and the infill character of the proposal.

“Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.”

“Reasons: Members felt that despite the identified non-compliance with Policy HOU03 of the Local Plan and the Development Plan as a whole, the other material planning considerations of infill development outweighed the harm generated by the conflict with this policy.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted unanimously against the officer’s recommendation of refusal and unanimously to approve the application subject to suitable conditions.

“DECISION: Members voted unanimously against the Officer’s recommendation of refusal.”

“DECISION: Members voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to delegated authority being given to Officers to impose suitable conditions.”

Minutes