30 homes and access at Land North East Of Windsor Close, Ashbourne

The site and surroundings

The site was a 1.65-hectare greenfield parcel on Ashbourne’s northeastern edge, outside but next to the settlement boundary and bordered by hedgerows and footpaths.

“The Application Site relates to a parcel of greenfield of approximately 1.65 hectares located on the north-eastern edge of Ashbourne. The field is located to the east of Manor Road and north of the B5035 ‘The Green Road’. Ashbourne Public Right of Way footpath no.10 runs parallel to the southern boundary of the site. Ashbourne PRoW FP15 runs along the northern boundary of the site.”

“The site slopes downwards in a southerly direction and is well contained by substantial hedgerows and post and rail / wire fencing, with mature field trees interspersed along the boundary. The Site sits outside of, but adjacent to the settlement boundary of Ashbourne.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier outline application for up to 42 homes was withdrawn, and an ash tree received a confirmed tree preservation order.

“Outline application for the erection of up to 42no. dwellinghouses and associated access Ref. No: 23/00636/OUT | Status: Withdrawn…”

“DDDCTPO/216/T1 Ash Tree: A provisional TPO was made in August 2025 and was confirmed on the 25 th November 2025 by the Licensing and Appeals Sub-Committee.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Objections focused on traffic and pedestrian safety, flooding and drainage, landscape and trees, ecology, services, residential amenity and policy compliance.

“On street parking in the area already reduce the width of roads which will impact construction traffic, causing safety concerns. • inadequate pedestrian/cycle provision. • Manor Road onto Greenway and Greenway onto Green Road junction areas are already dangerous. • Intensification of use on Windsor Close. • School drop-offs/pickups already cause issues. • Windsor Close not suitable for additional traffic having not footways.”

“Flood Risk & Drainage • Increased flood risk from surface water run-off. • Downstream flood risk. • Green Road already suffer with flooding. • In adequate drainage/attenuation strategy. • Areas already prone to flooding. • Sewer system is inadequate and needs upgrading. • Land is clay and not permeable, soakaways are not possible. • The drainage ditch often over flows flooding residents gardens.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A planning consultant presented the application, and the County Council’s senior transport planner addressed highway issues raised by members.

What members discussed

Members raised highway, drainage, affordable housing, tree protection and residential amenity issues before proposing refusal because major concerns remained unresolved.

“During questions Members raised a number of issues most notably highway, drainage, affordable housing, tree protection and loss of residential amenity.”

“Derbyshire County Councils Senior Transport Planner addressed highway issues that were raised by Members.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was refused because the information did not demonstrate a suitable drainage strategy or safe access to the development site.

“Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate a suitable drainage strategy.”

“The Applicant has failed to demonstrate that safe access can be achieved to the development site.”

Minutes