47 dwellings at Land To North Of Cemetery Forest Road, Huncote

What was proposed

The application sought 47 homes with landscaping, open space, a new access and associated infrastructure, including 35 market and 12 affordable dwellings.

“The Proposal 2.1 The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of 47 dwellings, together with landscaping, open space, access works and associated infrastructure.”

“The proposed development would comprise 35 market dwellings and 12 affordable dwellings, equating to 25% on-site affordable housing for the development. The housing mix and distribution across the site are shown on the submitted plans but comprise of:”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is 2.2 hectares of ridge and furrow agricultural land in countryside north of Huncote Cemetery, with trees, hedges, a pond and surface-water flood risks.

“In terms of topography, as set out above, the site is formed of ridge and furrow, giving it a distinct undulating appearance. The land generally falls towards the south-western corner, where drainage is directed, and an existing pond is located within this lower area. The site is located wholly within Flood Zone 1, however, has a small number of isolated areas along the eastern part of the site which are at risk of surface water flooding.”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

Several consultees had no objection subject to conditions, but ecology and flood officers requested further information and nine residents objected on several grounds.

“Blaby District Council Consultees 4.1.1 Environmental Services (3) (7.5.3, 7.9.3) No objection subject to the imposition of conditions.”

“Leicestershire County Council Consultees 4.2.1 Archaeology (3) (7.7.3) No objection subject to imposition of conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Huncote Parish Council Clerk was allowed to give a five-minute presentation.

The committee’s decision

The committee refused the application because of harm to the historic settlement edge and ridge and furrow, poor design, unresolved drainage information and great crested newt concerns.

“Reasons: The proposed development would reintroduce significant built development beyond the ‘soft’ edge of the settlement formed by Huncote Cemetery by removing the established historic boundary between the built-up area and countryside on the western side of Forest Road. In addition, the complete and permanent destruction of ridge and furrow agricultural land, would result in an unacceptable level of harm to the character and understanding of the landscape.”

“The application fails to demonstrate the impact of the development on great crested newts and that it would not result in harm to a protected species or Page 121that appropriate mitigation can be secured, contrary to Policy CS19 of the Blaby District Local Plan (Core Strategy) Development Plan Document (2013) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017).”

Minutes