Up to 75 homes at Land Off Broad Lane, Nantwich

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission to demolish number 6 Broad Lane and build up to 75 homes with parking, open space and associated works.

“Outline planning permission is sought for the demolition of number 6 Broad Lane and a residential development comprising up to 75no. dwellings together with parking, open space, landscaping, drainage and associated works.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site included a bungalow and 3.83-hectare arable field, with residential properties nearby, two access points and a protected tree boundary.

“The application site comprises of No.6 Broad Lane and the land to the rear. The dwelling at 6 Broad Lane is located within the Settlement Boundary with the land to the rear within the open countryside. There are residential properties to the north, east and west.”

“The site includes an existing bungalow and arable field of 3.83 hectares and has two existing access points. One to the north along Broad Lane between Nos.4 and 6 and one from the south west corner off Batherton Lane.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals for up to 104 homes and school expansion were refused, with an appeal dismissed and highway access concerns recorded.

“15/3868N – Outline permission for residential development for up to 104 dwellings (Use Class C3) and land for expansion of Brine Leas School (Use Class D1) – Refused 2015 and appeal dismissed 2016 (safety of the point of access only not due to any impact upon the capacity of the surrounding highways network, design, countryside encroachment to the south, loss of agricultural land)”

“16/0856N – Outline application for residential development for up to 104 dwellings (Use Class C3) and land for expansion of Brine Leas School (Use Class D1) (Re-submission of 15/3868N) – Refused 2016 due to severe highway impacts to A529”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a legal agreement and conditions, finding that the benefits significantly outweighed the development’s adverse impacts.

“However, in line with recent revisions to the NPPF, the Council acknowledges that it does not have a 5-year supply of housing land which is a significant material consideration which weighs in favour of permitting the development.”

“The adverse impacts of the proposal would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies within the NPPF. The proposed development would benefit from the presumption in favour of sustainable development which weighs heavily in support of the proposed development. Therefore, the application is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Highways and other consultees raised no objections subject to measures, while parish and town councils and 33 households objected on highway and other grounds.

“CEC Highways – No objection subject to conditions requiring the proposed access to be constructed, active travel access and active travel access to Batherton Lane and contribution of £100,000 towards improving public transport in the area and contribution of towards traffic management measures at the Peter Destapleigh Way/Audlem Road junction.”

“Stapeley & District Parish Council – Object on the following grounds:”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor, a parish councillor and an objector spoke about the application at the meeting.

The committee’s decision

The committee refused the application because its cumulative impact, together with other known proposals, would affect the local highway network and conflict with national policy.

“That the application be REFUSED, for the following reasons;”

“The cumulative impact on the road network of this application and other known development proposals on the local highway network and the proposals being contrary to Sections 116 and 117A of the NPPF.”

Minutes