Up to 9 homes at Land South Of Callow Hill Road, Alvechurch

What was proposed

The application sought permission in principle for up to nine dwellings with associated infrastructure.

“[name withheld] of up to 9 dwellings with associated infrastructure…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a 0.99-hectare uncultivated agricultural field in the Green Belt, between the railway, canal, Callow Hill Road and M42.

“The Site The site comprises part of an uncultivated agricultural field measuring approximately 0.99 hectares which is designated as Green Belt. The site is located between 21 to 50 metres from the defined settlement of Alvechurch as set out on the Bromsgrove District Plan Policies Map.”

“The site is situated between the railway line to the West, the canal to the east and south and Callow Hill Road to the north and East. To the north of the site and Callow Hill Road is the M42 motorway.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident, the applicant’s planning agent, a parish council member and the ward councillor addressed the committee.

Members’ concerns

Members discussed the site’s proximity to the canal, railway and motorway, landscape sensitivity, narrow rural access, contamination concerns and sustainability.

“Members then debated the application. From the comments and questions by members of the Committee, the following responses were made, and issues highlighted: • The site was in close proximity to both the canal, the railway and the M42 motorway.”

“Members in attendance broadly consensed that they had concerns in relation to the sustainability of the site. • Members expressed concern in relation to the submissions from WRS which stated that the site was in close proximity to a landfill site with a known history of gassing and that nearby ponds may contain unknown landfill. • Local residents were opposed to development on the site.”

Minutes

The vote

Members proposed and seconded an alternative recommendation for refusal, which was then put to the vote.

“An alternate recommendation for refusal was tabled due to the following considerations: • Development was deemed unacceptable due to the site’s proximity to both the canal and M42 motorway. • The site was isolated in nature and outside the village boundary. • The site lacked sustainable and safe access to amenities and facilities.”

“The recommendation was subsequently proposed and seconded by Members of the Committee.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused planning permission after considering all the information and other material considerations.

“RESOLVED that having had regard to all the information before them and all other material considerations that planning permission be refused for the reasons detailed in the preamble above.”

Minutes