186-home housing development at Land Off Alverley Lane, Balby, Doncaster

What was proposed

The application sought 186 homes with parking, access, public open space, landscaping, drainage, a pumping station and biodiversity improvements.

“Proposal Description: Full planning application for 186 residential units (C3), associated car parking, garages, vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access and infrastructure, public open space, landscaping, a pumping station, foul and surface water drainage infrastructure and biodiversity enhancements, with vehicular access from Alverley Lane At: Land Off Alverley Lane Balby Doncaster DN4 9AP”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a 6.59-hectare agricultural field south of Alverley Lane, allocated for housing and within Flood Zone 1.

“Site and Surroundings 2.1 The application site comprises an agricultural field which has been allocated for housing in the recently adopted Doncaster Local Plan in September 2021 - specifically site allocation Ref. MUA48. The site is 6.59ha in area and is located to the south of Alverley Lane.”

“In general, Alverley Lane runs to the northwestern boundary of the site between the A60 Tickhill Road and Springwell Lane. The site is located to the southern edge of Balby close to facilities and services, including Woodfield Plantation and Springwell Lane local centre. The closest schools are The Mallard Academy and Astrea Academy Woodfields.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history on the site, and the scheme had been amended several times to address design, highways and environmental matters.

“The scheme has been amended several times since it was originally submitted to the Council to take account of comments received principally to address matters of urban design and highways. Consideration has also been given through these amendments to onsite public open space, drainage, ecological impact and landscaping.”

“Relevant Planning History 3.1 There is no relevant planning history on this site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the housing allocation supported development in principle and conditions and obligations would mitigate identified impacts.

“The site is allocated for housing within the Doncaster Local Plan and is therefore acceptable in principle.”

“The development would be sufficiently mitigated as to not cause an unacceptable level of harm to neighbouring properties, the highway network, trees, ecology, flood risk, archaeology or the wider character of the area - subject to suitably worded conditions and the provision of a legal (S106) agreement securing…”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

Consultees generally raised no objections subject to safeguards, while residents objected to traffic, safety, wildlife, flooding, infrastructure, privacy, noise and green-space impacts.

“The development near Averley Lane is encroaching on Balby’s green belt, depriving Balbyans of vital open space. Once again, Balby South is overlooked, with green belt enhancements or development funds redirected to other parts of the city, leaving our community at a loss. This is unacceptable, and I urge you to reconsider. Balby South deserves greater respect and care, with its residents’ health and right to green spaces prioritized.”

“Access onto Alverley Lane isn’t suitable for larger HGVs/container lorries, causing damage to kerbs, stone walls and the existing road signage. • Signalisation of the junction would impact the safety and accessibility of the driveways next to the junction. • Weight restrictions on Alverley Lane would prevent access for the local school buses. • Alverley Lane has been subject to a number of road traffic accidents.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident spoke against the application, while the agent and highways consultant spoke in support.

The committee vote

Councillors voted to grant permission by six votes to three, with one abstention.

“A proposal was made to GRANT Planning Permission subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement and the imposition of planning conditions.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to a Section 106 agreement, planning conditions and an informative about letterbox height standards.

“Decision: Planning Permission GRANTED subject to completion of a Section 106 Agreement relating to the following matters, the imposition of planning conditions and the addition of the following informative: -”

“To request that the development meets BS EN 13724:2013 Standards, which recommends that the centreline of the letter plate aperture of letterboxes be positioned between 700mm and 1700mm from the finished floor level. As referenced in guidance Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations.”

Minutes