3 custom-build homes at Land Off Litcham Road, Mileham

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for three custom-build homes, with access decided now and other matters reserved, together with garages, parking and garden areas.

“DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT Outline application with all matters reserved except for access for 3 no. custom-build dwellings with associated garages, parking and garden / amenity areas.”

Officer report

The site

The site covered about 0.472 hectares behind existing homes on Litcham Road, with open countryside to its east, south and west.

“SITE DESCRIPTION The application site is situated off Litcham Road to the rear of the existing linear dwellings fronting the highway. The parcel extends to approximately 0.472 hectares in size with open countryside to the east, south and west.”

Officer report

Earlier application

A previous application for seven homes and garages on the site was refused in June 2025.

“There have been a number of historic planning applications on this site; the following are the most recent/relevant: Planning Reference: PL/2025/0492/FMIN Description: Erection 7no. residential dwellings & garages. REFUSED 13-06-25”

Officer report

Main planning concerns

The proposal was considered backland development in open countryside, harming settlement character, private amenity, highway safety and sustainable travel.

“The proposal is considered contrary to Policy HOU 05 of the Breckland Local Plan (2023) as it would not represent building taking place on a vacant plot in an otherwise built- up street frontage. The site does not contain built development along the road on either side of the site, with the site bounded by open countryside to its east and west.”

“It is considered that the proposed residential development for three dwellings on this plot of land would not preserve or enhance the local environment and the introduction of built form in this area of open countryside would alter the appearance of the area, eroding the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and urbanising an area of open countryside, resulting in a visual intrusion on the landscape.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The parish council and seven representations raised concerns about housing policy, settlement character, privacy, access, flooding, ecology, traffic and local services.

“Mileham Parish Council To date, there have been no consultations with either the parish council or any residents of Mileham. Development of this site was comprehensively rejected in June 2025 (PL/2025/0492/FMIN), and all material reasons for rejection remain with this revised application. The parish council fully supports the views of neighbouring residents at Litcham Road regarding the boundary alignment.”

“Seven representations have been received, raising objections and concerns for the following reasons: • Policy & Planning: Site is outside settlement boundary; not allocated for housing in Local Plan; development is backland, not sensitive infill or rounding-off. • Form & Character: Proposed houses are suburban in style, visible from multiple angles, and intrusive to village character.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward representative spoke against the application, while the applicant, the agent and two objectors made representations under the public speaking arrangements.

Members considered the proposal

Members considered the application in light of the report, supplementary information, policies and guidance.

“Further information had been included in the supplementary agenda.”

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

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously supported the officer recommendation to refuse the application.

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

Minutes

The decision

The application was refused because the proposal failed to provide a sustainable form of development and conflicted with planning, design, amenity, highway, flooding, biodiversity and custom-build requirements.

“The application fails to demonstrate that the proposed dwellings would constitute genuine self-build or custom-build housing. No information has been submitted to show how the initial owners or occupiers of the homes would have primary input into the final design and layout of the dwellings, as required by national planning guidance.”

Officer report