Driveway widening and treatment plant at Beechmount, Pinfold Lane, Bradley

What was proposed

The application proposed resurfacing and widening the existing driveway and replacing the septic tank using its existing location and pipework.

“Planning permission is sought for the resurfacing and widening of the existing site access as the bottom of the drive leading onto Pinfold Lane is in need of repair. As part of the process of resurfacing the driveway, it is proposed widen the drive by felling and removing the four conifers, to assist with the visibility when leaving and entering the site. The new access is proposed to be constructed out of tarmacadam.”

“The applicant also seeks planning permission for the installation of a replacement septic tank, which will upgrade their existing septic tank. The tank is to be situated in the location of the existing tank and utilise the existing pipework which serves the current infrastructure on site. The applicant has provided a specification of the proposed septic tank within their application documents.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a countryside location outside defined settlement boundaries, with a dwelling, field, mature trees and hedging, and access from Hadley Lane.

“The site is located to the south-west of the main centre of Bradley with access off Hadley Lane. The field is within the ownership of Beech Mount and is 2.5 acres and lies to the north of the property on lower ground than the property to the east. Land levels continue to fall to the west and there is a row of mature trees on the eastern boundary in the vicinity of the existing barn.”

“The site is situated in a countryside location outside of defined settlement boundaries. It is not subject to any planning designations or environmental constraints.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the development complied with relevant policies, would not harm the street scene or highway safety, and could manage drainage by condition.

“The application seeks permission to resurface and extend their existing driveway, as well as seeking consent to replace their existing septic tank. • The application is acceptable in principle by virtue of Local Plan Policies S4, PD1 & HC10. • It is considered that the development will not have any adverse impact on the character and appearance of the property and the wider street scene.”

“Overall, it is considered that the proposal complies with all relevant policies of the development plan.”

Officer report

Technical consultation

The Environment Agency, Environmental Health and Flood Risk teams had no objection or no comment, while Highways accepted the proposal subject to a drainage condition.

“Consultee Name Position Date Comments Environment Agency No comment 28/10/2025 No comment as site falls within Flood Zone 1. DDDC Environmental Health No objection 06/10/2025 No objection. DCC Highways No objection subject to drainage condition 07/10/2025 No objection subject to the inclusion of the condition to prevent unregulated discharge surface water to the public highway, details of which need to be submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority…”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Seven residents objected over drainage and flooding, highway safety, the need for widening, septic-tank infrastructure, and possible access or boundary encroachment.

“The proposal lacks suitable surface water/drainage mitigation measures, which will result in potential flooding at Pinfold Lane and the surrounding properties.”

“The existing infrastructure which the proposed replacement septic tank will utilise is not considered to meet the relevant standards, and a lack of evidence has been produced to prove its suitability.”

Officer report

Public speakers

A Bradley Parish Church chair spoke against the application, and the applicant spoke in support.

The committee’s vote

Members moved and unanimously resolved to approve permission with the report’s conditions and delegated authority for condition amendments; seven voted for, none against and three abstained.

“It was moved by Councillor Peter Slack, seconded by Councillor Sue Burfoot and…”

“That planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out in section 8.0 of the report with delegated authority to the Director of Place and Economy to approve any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary.”

Minutes