8 self-build homes at Land East Of Cross Green, Old Newton, Stowmarket

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to eight self-build dwellings, with access considered now and all other matters reserved.

“Development of Description Outline Planning Application (Access to be considered all other matters reserved) - Erection of up to 8 no. Self-Build Dwellings…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier decisions included permission for 29 affordable dwellings in 2005 and residential development in 2001.

“REF: 0984/04 ERECTION OF 29 "AFFORDABLE" DWELLINGS AND ASSOCIATED WORKS. DECISION: GTD 05.12.2005”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended approval because the principle of housing was acceptable and the illustrative layout, access and highway safety were satisfactory subject to conditions.

“The application is submitted in outline, with all matters reserved apart from access to the site. Therefore the details of the development would be subject to further consideration. That said, at this stage, it is considered that the submitted illustrative plan shows that a development of 8no. bungalows may be accommodated on the site without appearing cramped and out of character with the surrounding form of development.”

“That Members resolve to GRANT outline planning permission (full permission for the means of access) subject to the following conditions and informatives and any others as may be deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways withdrew its holding objection after amended plans, while consultees accepted the proposal subject to conditions covering fire safety, ecology, noise, trees and landscaping.

“When originally consulted on the proposals the Highway Authority identified a number of issues that needed to be addressed, and advised of a holding objection. Following receipt of amended plans, the Authority has confirmed it has no objection to the revised proposals, and recommends the imposition of conditions on a grant of planning permission.”

“...The noise report identifies the correct noise indices and use. Unfortunately, the facilities for football and social club were not fully in use on the period of the monitoring (casual use only) as the football season was not in progress, nor were post-match events undertaken. I would accept that this can be covered in uncertainties of the report by including a small penalty to the noise between 15:00 – 19:00 on Saturdays and 10:00 – 16:00 Sundays.”

Officer report

What people said

Seven objections cited traffic, wildlife, transport, parking, construction noise and missing information, while one supporter praised the sympathetic design and retained hedgerows.

“There will be a detrimental impact from construction traffic and traffic generated by the development • The development would have a detrimental impact on wildlife • No employment prospects in Old Newton and poor public transport links • The proposal is lacking information and is in conflict with the Neighbourhood Plan • The construction phase would create noise nuisance • There is a lack of visitor parking • Ecological enhancement features should be provided…”

“The comment of support identifies the sympathetic nature of the development with existing natural hedgerows being left in situ. It is hoped that hedgehog highways are provided as part of the development and that the hedgerows should be kept.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee, and the two ward members also made representations and answered questions about turtle doves.

The committee’s debate

Members discussed ecology, turtle dove habitat, residents’ liaison, self-build need, access, construction traffic, delivery movements and the playing-field footpath.

“Members debated the application on issues including: the ecological survey, the potential loss of habitat for turtle doves which are known to be in the area, the need for liaison with local residents, the need for self-build plots, and ecology concerns particularly in relation to the turtle doves.”

“Members continued to debate the application on issues including: the self- build nature of the site, the access constraints, the potential time that works could continue for due to the individual reserved matters applications, delivery vehicle movements, and the footpath to the playing field.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Hadingham proposed approval, Councillor Warboys seconded it, and the proposal passed by six votes to one.

“Councillor Hadingham proposed that the application be approved subject to the amended condition detailed in the tabled papers and additional conditions discussed by Members relating to hedgehog friendly fencing, removal of Permitted Development rights in respect of additional storeys and openings within roofs, and a construction management plan.”

“Councillor Warboys seconded the proposal.”

Minutes