71 homes at Land South Of Woolshots Farm, London Road, Crays Hill, Billericay

“This application seeks outline planning permission for the construction of up to 71 residential dwellings, including 50% affordable housing, together with public open space, sustainable drainage infrastructure, landscaping, biodiversity enhancements and a new vehicular access from London Road. All matters are reserved except access and layout.”

“Notwithstanding this harm, significant benefits arise from the proposal through the delivery of housing, including 50% affordable housing, public open space, biodiversity enhancements, sustainable drainage infrastructure, healthcare contributions, public transport improvements, employment and skills initiatives and other infrastructure secured through a Section 106 Agreement.”

“Having regard to the acute housing need within the Borough, the significant affordable housing provision, the delivery of infrastructure and the wider economic, social and environmental benefits of the proposal, officers conclude that Very Special Circumstances exist which clearly outweigh the identified Green Belt harm and other limited harms arising from the development.”

“The proposal does not constitute Grey Belt development and therefore represents inappropriate development within the Green Belt. The development would cause harm to Green Belt openness and conflict with Green Belt purpose (a) relating to the prevention of unrestricted urban sprawl. Substantial weight is attached to this harm.”

“Consultee Response Summary Anglian Water Objection – Confirmed that any water asset(s) within or proximate to the site can be addressed. However, object due to infrastructure constraints relating to wastewater treatment at Wickford Water Recycling Centre (WRC).”

“Officer Note: Conditions can be secured accordingly. Refuse and Cleansing No objection. Housing, Development and Investment Team No objection (TBC) Economic Development No objection; subject to securing an Employment and Skills Plan and a monetary contribution of £21,300 (£300 per unit).”

“The main issues raised are summarised below: Green Belt, Planning Policy and Agricultural Land ➢ The site lies within the Green Belt, and residents consider that the proposal would cause substantial harm to its openness, contrary to Green Belt policy and the purpose of preventing urban sprawl.”

“Residents consider that construction works would cause disruption through noise, traffic, pollution, dust and dirt for nearby residents and surrounding communities. ➢ The development is considered to harm the countryside setting that contributes to the character and appeal of the area. ➢ Residents are concerned that new dwellings would affect existing properties on Woolshots Road through loss of views, privacy, light and outlook.”

“Clarification was provided on wastewater, timescales for non-determination, that the health contribution requested had been fulfilled in full and that while the site was in the Green Belt it complied with the Golden Rules.”

“Members discussed pressure on infrastructure, including roads, wastewater and health services.”

“The Committee voted on the officer’s recommendation and was minded to overturn it.”

“The meeting was adjourned for consideration of material planning grounds for refusal.”

“That planning application no. 25/01188/OUT be refused outline planning permission on the grounds that the proposed development constituted inappropriate development within the Green Belt. The development would result in substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt and conflict with the purposes of including land within the Green Belt.”