300 homes at Land Lying North East Of London Road, Vange

“OUTLINE PLANNING APPLICATION WITH ALL MATTERS RESERVED, EXCEPT MEANS OF ACCESS, FOR THE ERECTION OF UP TO 300 HOMES (USE CLASS C3) (INCLUDING MARKET AND AFFORDABLE DWELLINGS) TOGETHER WITH NEW VEHICULAR ACCESS OFF LONDON ROAD, CYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESSES, CAR PARKING, INFORMAL OPEN SPACE, HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPING, BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENTS, BOUNDARY TREATMENTS, SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE BASINS AND ASSOCIATED WORKS.”

“This report considers the above outline planning application and sets out the officer’s assessment and recommendation, having regard to the development plan and other material considerations. The planning application proposes up to 300 dwellings with all matters reserved except access.”

“The site lies within the Green Belt; however, based on the 2025 Green Belt Study, the site forms part of a parcel assessed as having characteristics consistent with grey belt as defined in the NPPF. The proposal meets all criteria of paragraph 155, including meeting housing need, constituting sustainable development, and fully delivering the “Golden Rules” (enhanced green space, infrastructure and 50% affordable housing).”

“The proposed development has been subject to extensive technical assessment and independent review. The proposal can be delivered without causing unacceptable harm to the environment, residential amenity, heritage assets, or the highway network. All necessary mitigation can be secured through planning conditions and a robust S106 agreement.”

“ECC was not now asking for an education contribution as capacity was available for the next 10 years. • Whilst capacity was not available currently at the nearest school to the development site, there was capacity within 2 miles (for children under 8) and within 3 miles (for children over 8). Whether routes to these schools were sustainable and appropriate was a matter for the Committee to consider.”

“Members discussed the application, with some expressing a view that housing growth must be matched by education provision and concern about distance, travel time to schools with capacity and road safety. In addition, there was some feeling that the Very Special Circumstances identified did not outweigh the harm to the Green Belt.”

“Option 1 to indicate agreement with the original recommendation: That Planning Application No. 24/01248/OUT be granted outline planning permission, subject to the completion of a S106 agreement as set out in Section 6.0 of the original Committee Report and subject to the conditions set out at the end of that report with any minor amendments that might be necessary up to the issue of the decision notice to be delegated to the Assistant Director of Planning for approval.”

“Option 2 to indicate refusal of planning permission on the grounds that the proposed development failed to make appropriate provision for the required education contributions necessary to mitigate its impact on local education infrastructure. In the absence of a completed planning obligation securing such contributions, the proposal would place additional pressure on existing…”

“As part of the appeal process, the Council, acting as Local Planning Authority, was required to indicate the decision that would have been made had the appeal against non-determination not been lodged. It was therefore resolved that, had the Committee remained the determining authority, Planning Application 24/01248/OUT would have been refused planning permission.”