Up to two dwellings at Land To The West Of 271 Spital Lane, Spital, Chesterfield

The site

The approximately 1,115-square-metre site was mainly lawn with perimeter hedgerows, trees, a hardstanding area and significant changes in level.

“The site subject of this application is situated on the south side of Spital Lane. The site is broadly rectangular in shape covering approximately 1115sqm (0.1115 hectares). The site is predominantly laid to lawn with hedgerows around the perimeter with an area of hardstanding adjacent to No 271.”

“The site slopes significantly towards the south/south western boundary and the land is set notably lower than Spital Lane public highway with a large retaining stone wall forming part of the boundary. There is a wide verge on the frontage of the site to Spital Lane which comprises of a mix of trees and scrub self set planting, there is no pavement. The south/south western boundary is elevated above Meadow House Farm and Spital Brook water course.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was within the built-up area, could contribute to housing supply and could address detailed matters through conditions and reserved matters.

“The application site is not allocated for any specific use within the adopted Local Plan. It is within the extent of the built up area on the Local Plan policies map, although this does not imply any presumption in favour of its development. The most important policy in determining the application is…”

“The potential benefits and disbenefits of the proposed dwellings will therefore need to be weighed against the degree of conflict with the Local Plan and the Framework. The site is located within the built up area in an area of existing residential accommodation and whilst outside of the recommended distances to services and infrequent access to public transport, the proposal will add a modest contribution to the borough’s housing supply.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection subject to conditions, while environmental, ecological, drainage and mining matters were addressed through requested conditions.

“Revised comments provided by the Local Highways Authority on 04.04.25 and earlier comments withdrawn. No objection subject to conditions.”

“Mining Remediation Authority Objection withdrawn, pre-commencement conditions requested…”

Officer report

Objections received

Three letters objected over access and highway safety, construction traffic, steep levels, amenity, privacy, trees and loss of landscaping.

“- Access and highway safety o the problem long term with access and safety would also undoubtedly be severely exasperated during the construction phase with building site traffic, plant and machines. o The access to Spital Lane from the proposed development would sit directly on the brow of a hill in both directions.”

“- Amenity o The buildings would face directly onto and opposite my property. o Removal of those trees would also materially affect my privacy directly from new development but also from the properties on Heathcote Drive and beyond - Loss of hedgerow/landscaping o On the access to the proposed development there are also a decent number of mature trees fronting the road directly opposite my property. It would be a tragic waste to see these removed under any circumstances.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee, and the Development Management and Conservation Manager presented the report and explained the revised proposal.

Committee discussion

Members discussed gradients, the access drive, raised levels, landscaping, the watercourse and flood zone before considering the recommendation.

“The Committee asked the Development Management and Conservation Manager to explain the objections received. Mainly concerns around the site boundary gradient and the need for a ‘drive in’ which would be dealt with in conditions. Concerns around raised levels and the works required and that these would be considered in more detail at the reserved matters stage.”

“The Committee considered the report and recommendations within it. It was moved by Councillor Stone and seconded by Councillor Thompson that the officer recommendation be upheld.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“That the officer recommendation be upheld, and the application be GRANTED subject to the conditions outlined in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes