Retrospective earthworks at Land off Oak Road, Chappel

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to retain completed earthworks that levelled part of an agricultural field for a flat area linked to an approved agricultural building.

“Earthworks have been undertaken within the site which the agent states are the levelling of part of the field for the purposes of the provision of a flat area for the previously approved agricultural building approved under Prior Approval 240679. The agent has confirmed that, prior to the earthworks being undertaken, the land was just grass which was used for hay once a year.”

“Description of the Proposal 4.1 The proposal is essentially for earthworks to be retained. The Agent has confirmed that the earthworks have already been completed and no further earthworks are proposed. The works have involved levelling part of the site within the redline area. Some areas have been lowered. The application is thus retrospective.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site was part of an agricultural field in the countryside and the high-value Colne Valley landscape, with boundary vegetation providing substantial screening.

“Site Description and Context 3.1 The site is located within the countryside and consists of part of an agricultural field. The site is not located within a designated National Landscape (formerly known as AONB). It lies within the Colne Valley which is a high value landscape category as defined within the ‘Review of Countryside Conservation Areas in Colchester Borough’ (2005), a document that formed part of the evidence base for the currently adopted Local Plan.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier decisions included approval for gates and fencing, approval for an agricultural building, and withdrawn applications for earthworks and an agricultural building.

“240598 Application for Prior Notification of Agricultural or Forestry Development - proposed building - withdrawn…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the works related to agriculture, retained the countryside’s character, and had acceptable effects on wildlife, highways, vegetation, archaeology, neighbours and flooding.

“In conclusion and in terms of the planning balance, the application is considered to relate to agriculture and so there is general principle support under Local Plan and National Policy. In terms of the planning merits of the case, the earthworks are considered to be visually acceptable and have a very limited impact upon the character of the countryside and surrounding landscape which is defined as a high value landscape in Local Plan documents, but is not designated…”

“DC0901MWeV11 surrounding, valued landscape. The intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside is retained.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Ecology, Natural England, highways, environmental protection and archaeology consultees raised no objections subject to stated conditions or advice.

“Place Services Ecology No objection on ecological grounds subject to conditions to secure measures set out in the submitted ecological appraisal, as well as a biodiversity enhancement strategy.”

“Natural England has no objection and states “Based on the plans submitted Natural England considers that the proposed development will not have significant adverse impacts on statutorily protected Nature Conservation sites or landscapes.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application, an objector addressed the committee, and Councillor Sunnucks spoke as the local ward member.

The decision

“: that the application be approved subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report. 1156.”

Minutes, 29 Jan 2026