59-home residential development at Land to the East of Springwell Lane, Whetstone

What was proposed

The application sought 59 dwellings, public open space, drainage attenuation, access from Wright Close and associated works and infrastructure.

“Application reference: 24/0869/FUL Proposal: Full planning application for residential development of 59 dwellings, public open space, drainage attenuation, access from Wright Close and other associated works and infrastructure.”

Officer report

The site

The 3.59-hectare agricultural site lies east of Springwell Lane at Whetstone’s southern edge, with hedgerows, trees, undulating land and flood zones to the east.

“Substation design to be submitted and agreed 1. The site 1.1 The application site is situated at the southern edge of Whetstone within designated countryside and covers approximately 3.59 hectares (7.41 acres) of agricultural land. The site is located to the east of Springwell Lane and an existing David Wilson development lies to the north of the site, this residential development scheme was allowed on appeal in August 2013 (reference APP/T2405/A/13/2193758).”

“The site is generally open, with undulating land. There is an approximate 3m topographical variation within the site with levels ranging from approximately 72m AOD to 75m AOD. In addition to the northern landscape buffer, landscape features throughout the site consist primarily of hedgerows and scattered trees along the western, eastern and southern boundaries and a hedgerow the runs north to south through the eastern part of the site.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier proposals included refused schemes for 108 and 70 houses, followed by an allowed outline application for up to 150 dwellings and permitted reserved matters.

“Reference Description Decision Date 10/0857/1/OX Residential Development for up to 108 Houses with Associated Access, Landscaping and Infrastructure (Outline) (Phase 2) Application Refused Appeal Dismissed 06.02.2012 10/0856/1/PX Residential Development of 70 Houses with Associated Access, Landscaping and Infrastructure (Phase 1) Application Refused Appeal Dismissed 06.02.2012 12/0952/1/OX Residential development of upto 150 dwellings and parkland with associated access,…”

Officer report

Development details

The scheme was reduced from 69 to 59 homes, including 45 market and 14 affordable dwellings, seven bungalows, a play area and open space.

“The proposals will include a mix of market and affordable dwellings. 45 dwellings are to be market and 14 dwellings are to be affordable dwellings. The mix provides a range of 2-5 bedrooms across the market mix and 1-4 bedrooms across the affordable mix. 7 bungalows are proposed across the scheme split between market and affordable homes, with the rest proposed as 2 storey dwellings.”

“A Local Area of Play (LAP) is proposed to the north of the site, adjacent to plots 3 and 24. Beyond the built-up limits of the development, and to the east of the retained hedge that runs north to south of the site a large area of open space is proposed. The space proposes footpaths and is to connect to the existing large open space to the north. Within the open space to the east of the site an attenuation pond is proposed and a swale.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objections, while Blaby Parish Council objected because of traffic and infrastructure; several consultees requested conditions or contributions.

“Blaby District Council Consultees 4.1.1 Blaby District Council Environmental Services (5) No objections subject to conditions 4.1.2 Blaby District Council Housing Strategy (2) No objections and made comments in support of the application…”

“Leicestershire County Council Consultees 4.2.1 Leicestershire County Council Highways (6) No objections subject to conditions and contributions…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward member and the agent were invited to give five-minute presentations.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the section 106 agreement, biodiversity net gain condition and specified planning conditions.

“That Application 24/0869/FUL be approved subject to the applicant entering into a section 106 agreement to secure the following;”

“Statutory 3-year condition. Development to be built in accordance with approved plans and documents. Details of all external materials to be submitted, agreed and adhered to. Dwellings to be constructed as per finished floor levels on approved plan. Approved landscaping scheme to be carried out and maintained 6. Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Method Statement including tree protection measures to be submitted to and agreed and adhered to 7.”

Minutes