Nine dwellings at Land Adjoining West Hayes Eastfield, West Hill

“Proposal: Outline application for the erection of 9 dwellings, including 4 affordable dwellings and associated parking. Approval sought for access, appearance, layout and scale (matters reserved: landscaping)”

“Accessed via Hayes End, the site and its immediate surroundings are characterised by the presence of a number of mature trees, the majority of which are the subject of formal protection by means of a tree preservation order (ref. 21/0029/TPO). These include a strip of woodland that separates the site from the B3180 and a line of trees beyond a public footpath (no. 5) that borders the site to the south.”

“This footpath connects the B3180 with West Hill Road and is itself largely screened from the site by a line of Laurel bushes. A further line of protected trees forms the northern site boundary and separates it from an open field beyond.”

“This proposal would deliver a meaningful number of dwellings, including affordable housing, addressing the significant need for housing in the district. It would also generate short-term economic benefits during the construction phase and longer- term social benefits by providing much-needed housing. The provision of affordable housing, a key priority of the NPPF and Government policy, carries substantial weight in the planning balance.”

“It is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted as the benefits of the development, including the delivery of housing to improve the district's housing land supply, are material considerations that outweigh the identified conflict with the policies of the development plan. Any harm would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of this scheme.”

“Parish/Town Council (Further consultation comments in response to amendments to site layout) This amended application was considered by WHPC at an extraordinary meeting on 19th May 2025. The meeting agreed the following comments.”

“EDDC Trees (Further consultation comments in response to amendments to site layout) I have reviewed the latest amended plans prepared by Redwood Land Investments. Following on from my previous comments the changes made to the layout in relation to plot 9 and plot 5 to increase the separation distances from the trees and enable the retention of T39 and T40, Scots pines are viewed positively.”

“Summary of Grounds of Objection 1. The proposed site is outside the Built Up Area Boundary and, if approved, it would set a precedent for future developments being built in the countryside and be contrary to various Local Plan strategies and policies. A previous application for 5 properties was refused in 2024; none of the objections raised 3. Development would result in the loss of trees covered by TPOs and have an impact on the roots of the remaining trees. 4.”

“Eastfield was originally built to access lower number of properties, is already at capacity and is therefore unsuitable for any increase in traffic/parking. In combination with projected housing developments planned for Eastfield and Windmill Lane, the rurality of West Hill will be further destroyed. More traffic on small rural roads, many without footpaths, with only limited public transport and therefore increased risk to school children and other pedestrians. 13.”

“The Technical Note and EcIA acknowledge that the development would result in biodiversity net loss of habitats. The site is mapped as a Priority Habitat, which are habitats considered of principal importance for the purpose of conserving or enhancing biodiversity, under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006). The site was discounted from the local plan site selection partly based on the designation of woodland habitat.”

“In conclusion, the development would result in a quantified net loss of habitats, which are mapped as Priority Habitat, and would result in the degradation of previously identified Strategic Nature Area in open countryside. However, the supporting documents consider that wider landscape connectivity would be maintained through the delivery of onsite planting measures.”

“RESOLVED: Deferred for a site visit to allow Members to fully understand the impact on the character of the area.”