250-home development at Land Off Hamilton Road, Sutton in Ashfield

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to 250 homes, open space and green infrastructure, with access considered and other matters reserved.

“This application seeks outline planning permission with all matters reserved except access for a residential development of up to 250 dwellings, open space and green infrastructure. For clarity matters such as external appearance, scale, landscaping and layout are reserved and not for consideration under this application.”

“The planning application is supported by details of the proposed access arrangements and an illustrative masterplan. The latter shows how the applicant considers the site could be developed to provide 250 dwellings, together with open space, associated infrastructure and biodiversity net gain whilst meeting all relevant policy and guidance. However, the masterplan is for illustrative purposes only and is not for approval at this outline stage.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is mainly arable farmland in open countryside, beside a railway, roads, woodland, industrial areas and existing heritage and nature assets.

“The application site is roughly a rectangular parcel of land that is predominantly arable farmland with the north-eastern corner comprising rough grassland and scrub. The site is bounded by the Robin Hood railway line to the north-west, Hamilton Road to the south-east, a belt of woodland screening to the south-west, beyond which is the A617 Sherwood Way and a footpath called the Timberland Trail to the north-east beyond which is an industrial estate.”

“In the wider area there is Kingsmill Reservoir to the north which is both a Local Wildlife Site and Local Nature Reserve and is also used for water sports, two Scheduled Ancient Monuments nearby namely the Mound on Hamilton Hill approximately 240m south-east of the site and the railway viaduct, which is also a Grade II structure approximately 200m north of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for a railway bridge was approved, and the bridge has been built.

“V/2017/0606: Bridge over the Railway. Approved. Subsequent discharge of conditions applications V/2018/0531and V/2018/0402. This bridge has now been built out.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the housing, affordable homes and infrastructure benefits were not outweighed by identified harm.

“The application site is located within designated countryside, and therefore the proposal in itself would conflict with ALPR policy EV2. The Council has only 3.67 years housing land supply therefore NPPF paragraph 11 (d) (presumption in favour of sustainable development) together with any relevant footnote will be engaged.”

“This report has identified where the proposal would result in harm, paragraph 11 d) (ii) states that any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. With regards to the benefits of the proposal the application would provide up to 250 dwellings, which would contribute towards the council’s shortfall in 5 year housing supply.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent addressed the committee, and members were offered the opportunity to clarify points raised.

The committee vote

Members moved and seconded conditional consent in line with the officer recommendation and the changes in the late items.

“Late Item In accordance with the Council’s Policy for dealing with late matters in relation to planning applications, (Minute No. D4.17, 1993/94 refers), officers proceeded to give a verbal report as to additional comments received in relation to the application as follows:-”

“It was moved and seconded that conditional consent be granted, as per the officer’s recommendation contained in the report and including the changes outlined in the reported late items.”

Minutes