19 dwellings at Land Off Butler Close, Sharnford, Hinckley

What was proposed

The application proposed 19 homes, new access, landscaping, parking and a retained public footpath, including five affordable homes.

“The proposed development includes car parking for each dwelling, with 16 plots having 2 spaces and 3 plots having 3 spaces. 7no. visitor parking spaces have also been included as part of the scheme (see drawing titled ‘Proposed Site Access’ – Dwg no. SA01 Rev J).”

“The existing Public Right of Way (PROW) which runs across the middle of the site is proposed to be retained, with the existing hedgerow retained to the south, and a new hedgerow proposed to the north of the footpath. A footbridge is also proposed over the existing drainage ditch to the west. A combination of trees, hedgerows and shrubs are proposed to the frontage of properties.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is unused grassland beside Butler Close, outside Sharnford’s settlement boundary, with homes to the east, fields to the north and west, and the B4114 to the south.

“The site 1.1 The application site is located to the west of Butler Close, to the southwest of the village of Sharnford. The site is currently an unused area of grassland and measures approximately 0.66ha in size, comprising of one field parcel which is rectangular in shape. There is a mature tree and hedge line along the western and southern boundaries, as well as along the Public Right of Way (PROW) which runs across the middle of the site.”

“Local Wildlife Site (The Limes Grassland) and the whole site is within a sand & gravel mineral zone. The topography of the site gradually increases north to south. The existing access onto Butler Close is located within Flood Zones 2 and 3. Two areas within the south of the development site are within ‘low’ risk of surface water flooding.”

Officer report

Earlier development nearby

There was no planning history for the application site, but several residential schemes had been approved off Butler Close to the east.

“Relevant Planning History 3.1 None within the application site, however the following relates to the most recent residential development approved off Butler Close, to the east of the site:”

“Reference Description Decision Date 12/0810/1/PX Erection of 2 detached dwellings (to include demolition of existing workshop and garage). Approved 28.05.2013 14/0013/1/OX Residential development of up to 12 dwellings with associated access off Coventry Road (Outline). Approved 12.09.2014 16/1579/RM Reserved Matters application for 12 dwellings (details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) in relation to outline permission 14/0013/1/OX.”

Officer report

Flooding and drainage

The site passed officers’ drainage assessment with conditions but failed the flood-risk sequential test, which was weighed against other material benefits.

“The NPPF sets out the sequential, risk-based approach to individual applications in areas known to be at risk now or in the future from any source of flooding. Paragraph 174 states that the aim is to steer new development to areas with the lowest risk of flooding from any source, and that development should not be allocated or permitted if there are reasonably available sites appropriate for the development in areas with a lower risk of flooding.”

“There are recent examples of appeal decisions and court cases whereby it has been considered that even where the sequential test has failed, planning permission may be granted if there are strong reasons for still granting permission.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

Most residents objected over flooding, sewage, highways, infrastructure, housing, neighbour amenity and environmental effects, while consultees generally raised no objection subject to conditions.

“Sharnford Parish Council (2) “The proposed planning application to the land off Butlers Close, Sharnford has raised concerns regarding existing issues with sewage and flooding in the area. Residents are already experiencing problems with drainage and sewerage capacity, and further development will exacerbate the situation.”

“Flooding / Drainage • Existing sewage and drainage issues • Surface water run-off from neighbouring fields • Removal of the existing drainage ditch along the site’s eastern boundary • Lack of maintenance of drainage channels • The proposed development will worsen existing flooding issues Highways / Parking • Unsafe access • No pathways in and out of the village • No public transport • Wear and tear of the existing private road which adjoins the application site (Butler…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The ward member, an objector and the agent each gave a five-minute presentation.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to a Section 106 agreement, a biodiversity net gain condition, planning conditions and review of certain future drainage condition applications.

“That the application be approved, subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 agreement to secure the following:”

“Any future discharge of conditions application(s) relating to conditions 22, 23 and 24 to be reviewed by the Committee Chairperson Cllr. Lee Breckon and the Planning & Strategic Growth Group Manager.”

Minutes