Three self-build homes at The Old Queens Head, Great Ellingham, Attleborough

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Breckland Planning Committee on 5 Aug 2025.

PL/2025/0463/FMINRefused

The site and its history

The site was an overgrown field outside the settlement boundary, beside open countryside and a Grade II listed building, with four similar earlier applications refused.

“SITE DESCRIPTION The application site lies outside of any defined Settlement Boundary and currently forms an overgrown field with trees and hedgerows to the boundaries with these being more established along the northe a s t e r n boundary fronting the lay-by.”

“RELEVANT HISTORY There have been a number of historic planning applications on this site; the following are the most recent/relevant: Planning Reference: 3PL/2016/0616/F Description: Erection of 3 dwellings and garages - refused Planning Reference: 3PL/2016/1169/F Description: Three self-build dwellings with garages - refused Planning Reference: 3PL/2017/1486/F Description: Erect of 3No.”

Officer report

Design and other impacts

The proposal was acceptable on residential amenity, highways, trees and contaminated land, but raised concerns about design, heritage guidance, biodiversity and flooding.

“Design and impact on character and appearance of area and nearby Grade II listed building 2.1 Policy GEN 02 of the BLP states that the Council will require high quality design in all new development within the district. New development proposals are expected to meet a number of key tests, including respecting and being sensitive to the character of the surrounding area.”

“The relationship of the development to neighbouring dwellings and private open space and the presence of established hedging and sporadic trees along the boundary is such that visual dominance, loss of light, overlooking and overshadowing impacts all fall within acceptable parameters. Furthermore, the development would ensure the proposal does not give rise to any undue noise, odour or other form of disturbance.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council objected, while the highway, rights of way, Environment Agency, tree and contaminated land consultees raised no objection subject to conditions.

“STATUTORY CONSULTATION RESPONSES GREAT ELLINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL Objection - The application is outside of the development boundary for Great Ellingham. There is no footpath to allow pedestrian access to the village and there are highway concerns.”

“The previous applications have been rejected for similar reasons, which have not been addressed. The Parish council also feel this will have a negative impact on local infrastructure. In view of Great Ellingham’s dark sky status, Councillors request that a lighting clause is included in any permission granted. ATTLEBOROUGH TOWN COUNCIL No objection. CONTAMINATED LAND OFFICER No objection, subject to conditions. LOCAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY No objection, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What people said

One neighbour said the site could be better used, supported good design and considered access from the lay-by easy.

“REPRESENTATIONS A Site Notice was put up on 29 April 2025 and eleven neighbours directly consulted. One letter of representation has been received, raising the following main points. Site could be better used for development of some kind. Good design Easy access via the existing layby…”

Officer report

Members considered the proposal

Members considered the application in detail against prevailing policies and guidance.

“Consideration was given to the report presented by Naomi Minto, Development Management Planner.”

“Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.”

Minutes

How members voted

Members agreed with the officer recommendation by 8 votes to 1, with 1 abstention.

“DECISION: Members voted 8 x 1 + 1 abstention in agreement with the Officer’s recommendation of refusal.”

Minutes

Councillors at the meeting

Apologies Roger Atterwill Independent, Claire Bowes Conservative, Harry Clarke Labour, Robert Kybird Conservative

Also attending Sarah Suggitt Conservative, Lynda Turner Conservative, Judy Anscombe Independent

Source: Plota analysis of the council's minutes; parties from the council's list of councillors.

Sources

  • Breckland Planning Committee minutes, 5 August 2025
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Breckland's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Breckland
Date
Tuesday 5 August 2025
Recommendation
Officers recommended refusal
Committee decided
Refused
Councillors
11Conservative 6Labour 3Independent 1Reform UK 1Show councillors
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)
Application
The application (council website)

This committee's year

6 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →