Two homes and annexe changes at Rowney House, Thaxted Road, Debden

What was proposed

The application sought two dwellings, a new access road, landscaping, and changes to the existing residential annexe, with one existing access closed.

“This is a full application for the erection of 2 dwellings, creation of new access road, and landscaping proposals – Extension, new dormer and fenestration changes to existing residential annexe. One of the two existing accesses for Rowney House would be closed off.”

“This is a full application for the erection of 2 dwellings, creation of new access road, landscaping proposals and extension to existing residential annexe. A new access is proposed to be created for the units and one of the two existing access for Rowney House to be closed off. The proposal does not include affordable housing.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site contains Rowney House, its annexe and rear curtilage, with two accesses, a protected tree, nearby development, a copse and a public footpath.

“The application site comprises a 2-storey detached dwelling (Rowney House), as well as its residential annexe and rear curtilage, located within the existing built area of Debden. The annexe sits parallel to the road and the site benefits from 2 vehicular accesses onto the public road. West of the site is a copse and further west are open agricultural fields. The land to the south is committed to the erection of 25 dwellings benefitting from planning permission.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the site suitable for housing and the scheme acceptable for character, neighbours, highways, ecology, flooding and other matters.

“Permissions for 2 dwellings have been granted on this site 3 times, but they lapsed. The site is in an accessible location in Debden. The updated Uttlesford Design Code introduced connection, containment and pattern tests to assist planning judgement on whether land is within the ‘existing built area’ of a village.”

“The scheme would preserve the character and appearance of the area and would safeguard residential amenities for the existing residents and future occupants. Highways confirmed the scheme is acceptable in terms of highway safety for all highway users and not detrimental to the capacity of the network. Flood risk, ecology and other planning issues are acceptable and policy compliant.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

The Highway Authority and several consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while the parish council and residents expressed varied support and objections.

“Comments from Debden Parish Council: • Object: o Commented on previous application (UTT/22/1639/FUL). o Confusion over boundaries. o Extra bedroom to both plots. o Extra bed/extension to the annexe. o Over-development of the area. o Previous conditions refused (materials, landscaping). o Previous objections.”

Officer report

What members discussed

Members discussed parking, whether the buildings were subservient to other properties, and the size of the site; officers answered questions about access and construction.

“In response to questions from Members, Officers said: - • The application proposed to remove the leylandii from the edge of the property. However, any impact on residential amenity should not depend on landscaping as trees had finite lifespans. • The application included a new driveway to provide access to the back of the site.”

“The parking arrangements for the site. • The planned buildings’ subservience to the other properties. • The size of the site.”

Minutes

Who spoke

Two councillors spoke against the application, while the applicant and agent spoke in support.

The vote and decision

A motion to approve was proposed and seconded, and the committee authorised conditional permission under the report’s conditions.

“Councillor Sutton proposed approval of the application, and this was seconded by Councillor Pavitt.”

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant conditional permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 17 of the report.”

Minutes