Vehicular access at 31 Acton Close, Bramford, Ipswich

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the formalised use of a vehicular access. The proposed access runs from an existing shared parking area, through grassed amenity land, and leads to the parking space directly in front of the dwelling. This route is currently being used as the access point without a dropped kerb and over the grass which is leading to damage during the winter months.”

“The access is proposed to be permeable with MOT hoggin on Terram membrane and a pea shingle finish. There are also proposed to be four trees planted to the north of the access.”

“31 Acton Close is a bungalow within the settlement boundary of Bramford. The dwelling forms part of a semi-detached pair and is currently accessed only by a pedestrian footpath with no vehicular access available. There are areas of hardstanding to the front of the dwelling which is currently being used for parking.”

“The dwelling faces onto an area of grass land which is council owned and maintained by the Council’s public realm team. The site is mostly surrounded by other residential dwellings. There are no listed buildings nearby nor is the site within a designated conservation area. The site is within Flood Zone 1 but it is at risk of surface water flooding.”

“REF: DC/18/00828 Householder Planning Application - Erection of single storey extension (following removal of existing) DECISION: GTD 19.04.2018”

“There is potential for surface water flooding on the site. The submitted flood risk assessment shows that the site is at a very low risk and due to the nature of the proposal and the proposed material used, it is not considered that the development would increase the flood risk elsewhere. Therefore, the proposal is considered acceptable in this regard.”

“The proposed access is not considered to cause material harm to the amenity enjoyed by neighbouring properties. There is not proposed to be an increase in traffic movement as a result of the development. The proposal allows for the driveway on the site to be used for off street parking. As per the Ward Councillor’s comments, there is potential for there to be noise impacts from the cars using the access due to the use of pea shingle.”

“SCC - Highways Comments Received - 28/08/2025. No objection.”

“Ecologist Comments Received – 07/10/2025. No objection subject to condition.”

“At the time of writing this report no letters/emails/online comments have been received. It is the officer opinion that this represents no objections, no neutral comments and no support comments. An update shall be provided as necessary either via Tabled Papers or verbally at the meeting.”

“The Case Officer introduced the application to the Committee outlining the proposal before Members including: the Council ownership of the land, the location of the site, the site constraints, the proposed plans including the materials to be used, the current site layout and existing parking area, and the recommendation of approval as detailed in the Officer report.”

“The Case Officer responded to a question from Members confirming that there will be no loss of public open space.”

“Councillor Lawrence proposed that the application be approved as detailed in the Officer recommendation.”

“That Members resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the following conditions and informatives and any others as may be deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer:”