Up to 95 homes at Land North Of Tops Nursery, Broadway Road, Mickleton

What was proposed

The outline application sought demolition of existing buildings and up to 95 homes, with access and infrastructure; detailed layout and design were reserved.

“Outline planning application for demolition of existing buildings and for up to 95 dwellings with associated access and infrastructure, all other matters reserved at Land North of Tops Nursery Broadway Road Mickleton Gloucestershire…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 5.5-hectare site included a garden centre, horticultural buildings, woodland, orchards and agricultural fields beside Mickleton’s development boundary.

“The application site is located outside, but adjacent to, Mickleton Development Boundary as designated in the Cotswold District Local Plan 2011-2031 The aforementioned boundary extends along the north-eastern boundary of the application site.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, drainage, archaeology, water, environmental health and trees raised no objections subject to conditions, while biodiversity information was still required.

“Gloucestershire County Council Highways: No objection subject to conditions.”

“Thames Water: ' Thames Water has identified an inability of the existing water network infrastructure to accommodate the needs of this development proposal.' A condition relating to water supply has therefore been recommended.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Speakers included a parish councillor, an objector, the agent and a ward member, who addressed infrastructure, housing, sustainability and cumulative growth.

What members discussed

Members discussed water supply, cumulative growth, infrastructure, affordable and smaller homes, low-carbon design, accessibility, woodland and contributions.

“Members questions Members of the Committee asked a series of questions and noted that: • Thames Water had identified potential water supply pressure issues and requested a condition requiring a phased infrastructure plan to be agreed with the applicant to ensure any necessary upgrades are delivered.”

“Member comments • Support was noted for the developer’s approach to low-carbon housing, including solar panels and air source heat pumps, with a request that greater battery storage provision be considered. • Request was made for enhanced accessibility standards, including a higher proportion of M4(3) wheelchair-accessible homes.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to permit the application, subject to biodiversity, energy information and a Section 106 agreement, was proposed, seconded and agreed.

“Councillor Juliet Layton proposed PERMITTING the application subject to no objection from Biodiversity Officer, an Energy and Renewable Energy Statement at reserved matters stage and the completion of a S106 legal agreement covering affordable housing, self-build/ custom build housing, financial contributions to Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring, secondary education and school transport and library services and Councillor Julia Judd seconded the proposal.”

Minutes