Up to 30 homes at Land Parcel North Of Olimpick Drive, Chipping Campden

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 30 homes, with access considered in detail and other matters reserved.

“Outline application for residential development of up to 30 dwellings including the detailed matter of access, and associated works at Land Parcel North of Olimpick Drive Chipping Campden Gloucestershire…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site was a sloping 1.77-hectare part of an agricultural field beside existing housing, within the Cotswolds National Landscape and outside the town boundary.

“This application relates to the south-eastern part of an existing agricultural field located adjacent to the western edge of the town of Chipping Campden. The application site measures approximately 1.77 hectares in size. The field as a whole measures approximately 8.2 hectares. The site is linear in form with its north-eastern and south-eastern boundaries adjoining post war residential development.”

“The site is located within the Cotswolds National Landscape.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and refusals

Earlier proposals included a refused scheme for up to 76 homes and a separate 30-home scheme that was allowed on appeal and later approved.

“16/01256/OUT Outline planning application for a residential development of 30 dwellings, public open space, drainage and new access. Refused 2016. Allowed at appeal 2017 (APP/F1610/W/16/3165805)”

“18/04995/REM Erection of 30 dwellings and associated works (Reserved Matters application pursuant to appeal decision APP/F1610/W/16/3165805 CDC Ref 16/01256/OUT). Approved 2019”

Officer report

Consultees and local views

Highways initially objected for insufficient information, the flood authority raised no objection subject to a condition, and the town council highlighted flooding concerns.

“Gloucestershire County Council Lead Local Flood Authority: No objection subject to condition.”

“Chipping Campden Town Council have major concerns in terms of flooding in the town and flood mitigation at this proposed site.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The town council and an objector opposed the application, the agent supported it, and the ward member supported refusal.

What members debated

Members discussed housing targets, the sensitive elevated landscape, flooding, the public footpath, the green corridor and the balance between housing and environmental harm.

“Member Comments In discussing the application, Members made the following comments: • Concerns were expressed regarding the agent’s comments on housing targets, emphasising that government targets do not allow unrestricted development and that the Committee had a duty to ensure housing is directed to suitable locations whilst protecting the National Landscape. • The site was highly sensitive, elevated, and visually prominent.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to refuse was proposed, seconded and agreed by the committee.

“Councillor David Fowles proposed REFUSING the application and Councillor Julia Judd seconded the proposal. This proposal was put to the vote and agreed by the Committee.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was refused because development would harm the National Landscape, while the necessary legal agreement and protected-species information were not secured.

“Way Act 2000). The proposed development would result in the significant encroachment of built development onto a rising section of agricultural land that makes a positive contribution to the rural setting of the town and the character and appearance of the designated landscape.”

“Insufficient information has been submitted to enable the Local Planning Authority to fully assess the extent to which great crested newts, that are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) may be affected by the proposed development.”

Officer report