Five two-bedroom homes at Lavender Mill Bungalow, Manea, March

What was proposed

The application sought five two-bedroom homes, including one bungalow and four two-storey homes, after demolishing the existing dwelling and garage.

“Erect 5 x dwellings (1 x single-storey 2-bed and 4 x 2-storey 2-bed), involving the demolition of existing dwelling and garage…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contained a derelict bungalow and garage, was mainly in Flood Zones 2 and 3, and shared access with 29 approved northern homes.

“The proposal site is located to the north of Fallow Corner Drove, which is largely characterised by a linear pattern of development with dwellings of varying scales fronting onto the road. These properties are largely set within relatively spacious plots and in the immediate vicinity of the site with substantial areas of frontage. A two-storey detached property named Hadleigh is sited to the west, with a detached bungalow named Coolruss Lodge to the east.”

“This full planning application seeks permission to erect 5 dwellings consisting of 1 single-storey, 2 bed bungalow, and 4 two-storey, 2 bed maisonettes. The existing dwelling and detached garage on site are to be demolished to facilitate the proposal. The 4 maisonettes will be positioned forwards of the footprint of the existing dwelling, with the bungalow to the rear, adjacent to the northern boundary.”

Officer report

Previous committee consideration

The application had previously been deferred so further ecology, bat and financial information could be provided.

“The applicant has provided further information in the form of revised finished floor levels, revised elevations, a bat survey, ecology report and a biodiversity net gain report, foul water drainage options and a sequential test.”

“The application was presented at Planning Committee on 5 th February 2025 where it was agreed to defer the application to allow for further information to be provided with regard to an ecology appraisal, a bat survey and to resolve the issue of a financial contribution, given the officer recommendation this was considered to be via the submission by the applicant of a viability assessment of both this and their site to the north.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A district and parish councillor supported the application, followed by the applicant and the planning consultant, who argued that the issues could be overcome.

What members debated

Members considered the homes useful, the design acceptable, the land unlikely to flood and the raised fence helpful in reducing overlooking.

“Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows: • Councillor Benney stated that when this application was considered previously he was happy to support it, it is not a dwelling that you would normally see in this location as they are mostly large, but this does look large even though there are four.”

“Members did not support officer’s recommendation of refusal of planning permission as they feel that the amount of development on the site is not considered excessive, it is felt the scheme works and looks good, the fence has been raised on the development which will help with overlooking making the point that wherever you are there is overlooking to some degree, with the current bungalow overlooking the garden of the neighbouring property anyway and the houses at the back…”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Benney proposed, Councillor Mrs French seconded, and members agreed to grant permission against the officer’s recommendation with conditions delegated to officers.

“Proposed by Councillor Benney, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED against the officer’s recommendation, with authority delegated to officers to apply conditions.”

Minutes