35 dwellings with access at Land To The West Of Barn Lane, Budleigh Salterton

What was proposed

The application proposed 35 open-market and affordable homes with access, landscaping, open space and sustainable drainage.

“WardBudleigh And Raleigh Reference 25/0086/MFUL ApplicantWain Homes (SW) Ltd LocationLand To The West Of Barn Lane Budleigh Salterton ProposalConstruction of 35 dwellings (including open market and affordable), access and associated landscaping, open space and SUDS drainage…”

Officer report

The site

The site was a 1.58-hectare agricultural field outside the town boundary, within the East Devon National Landscape and beside existing housing.

“Site Location and Description The application site comprises a single agricultural field, approximately 1.58 hectares in area, located on the north western side of Budleigh Salterton within open countryside outside of, but adjacent to, the edge of the Built-up Area Boundary (BuAB) of the town as defined in the adopted Local Plan.”

“The site and surrounding area are within the designated East Devon National Landscape (NL) (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) which also washes over the entirety of the built-up area of the town. In addition, the site forms part of a larger area of Grade 1 agricultural land that extends around the north western part of the edge of the built-up area.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals for a care home, houses, bungalows, retirement apartments and live-work units were withdrawn or dismissed on appeal.

“15/1118/MOUT Erection of 60 bed care home, 30 no. houses (40% affordable), 7 no. bungalows, 12 no. affordable retirement apartments and 2 no. live/work units (outline application with all matters reserved) Non- determinati on appeal dismissed 24.11.2015”

“14/1520/MOUT Erection of 60 bed care home, 30 dwellings (including 40% as affordable) 7 bungalows, 12 retirement apartments and 2 live work units with associated works. (Outline proposal with all matters reserved) Withdrawn 20.01.2015”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered housing need, affordable homes and economic benefits outweighed moderate landscape harm and conflict with existing settlement boundaries.

“Whilst the development would extend the settlement into open countryside and result in some harm to the landscape character of the NL, these impacts are considered likely to be moderate and capable of mitigation through the safeguarding of existing boundary hedges and trees and appropriate site landscaping.”

“It is therefore considered that the principle of residential development of the site would be acceptable in this case. The proposal would deliver a meaningful contribution to housing supply, including affordable housing through a combination of on-site provision and off-site financial contributions. It would also generate economic benefits during the construction phase and longer-term social benefits through the provision of the market and affordable housing.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Charlotte Fitzgerald objected, focusing on unsafe access, the unfinished neighbouring footpath, speed limits and street lighting.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application and adopted the Appropriate Assessment, with conditions, Section 106 obligations, footpath requirements and a water conservation strategy.

“RESOLVED: The Appropriate Assessment be adopted. Approved with conditions in accordance with officer recommendation subject to the completion of Section 106 obligations to secure affordable housing provision (including off-site financial contribution), open space and SUDS provision and maintenance and habitat mitigation contribution) and subject to: (i) Additional condition to require the submission and agreement of a water conservation strategy which shall include,…”

“(ii) Additional condition to secure provision of footpaths within the southern section of the site that meets the east and west site boundaries, delivered prior to occupation of the 30 th dwelling. (iii) Amendments to Condition 7 as suggested by the agent to allow the flexibility in delivery of ecological mitigation in phases.”

Minutes