Self-build home at St Andrews Field, Holton

The site

The site was a small agricultural plot adjoining the settlement of Holton and within the Green Belt.

“The application site comprised an a small agricultural plat adjacent to the built confines of the settlement of Holton and was located within the green belt.”

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Whether the site was grey belt

Officers judged the development sustainable enough that its benefits outweighed the harm, and that the site met the definition of Grey Belt.

“The scheme proposed a single one and a half storey, three-bedroom dwelling with a detached garage. As the dwelling would be outside the built confines of the settlement it would be in conflict with housing policy. However, the tilted balance in favour of permitting sustainable development would be engaged.”

“The officer advised that while the site was in the Green Belt, it sought to address an unmet need in the form of housing supply in a sustainable location and therefore would not be inappropriate development in the Green Belt when considered against Paragraph 155 of the NPPF. Furthermore, the site was within the definition of Grey Belt.”

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What officers recommended

Officers found the scheme would fit the street scene and provide adequate parking, and recommended approval.

“The proposed development would sit comfortably in the street scene in an area of mixed design, materials and appearance. The scheme provides for adequate parking. The application was recommended for approval.”

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Who spoke

An objector and two supporters spoke on the application.

What members debated

Members queried the grounds for calling the site Grey Belt and agreed with officers that there were no planning reasons to refuse.

“Members queried the grounds for claiming the site fell into the definition of Grey Belt and were advised that when considering this, three of the five purposes of the Green Belt were considered; checking unrestricted urban sprawl – in this case the site is not in an urban area, safeguarding of countryside from encroachment – the scheme was merely extending the built form of the village, and lastly preserving the setting and special character of historic towns – the site was…”

“Members agreed with the officer’s definition of Grey Belt and acknowledged that there were no planning reasons to refuse the application.”

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What was decided

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions listed.

“A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote.”

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P26/S0308/FUL subject to the following condition: Commencement 3 years – Full Planning Permission 2. Approved plans 3. Ecology – District Licence 4. Construction method statement (CEMP) 5. Surface water drainage works (details required) 6. Foul drainage works (details required) 7. Cycle Parking Facilities 8. Contaminated Land – Linked Conditions (1) 9. Contaminated Land – Linked Conditions (2) 10. Schedule of Materials 11.”

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