50 affordable rented homes at Land South Of 8 - 59 Fairbairn Way, Chatteris

What was proposed

The application sought to change the planning obligation to secure 100% affordable rented housing, nomination rights and a £100,000 education contribution.

“Modification of Planning Obligation attached to planning permission F/YR19/0152/O (entered into 03.08.2020) relating to provision of 100% affordable housing (with associated nomination rights) and a reduction in education contributions to £100,000 (£2000 per plot)”

Officer report

The site

The 1.76-hectare site lies off Fairbairn Way on Chatteris’s southern edge, and construction of the approved homes was well underway.

“SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of 1.76-hectares off Fairbairn Way on the southern edge of Chatteris to the west of London Road. The site was recently open fields/grassland with some grazing, however construction of the approved dwellings is now well underway. The site is adjacent to properties at the south side of Millfield Close and the southern sides of Fairbairn Way.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Permission was granted for up to 50 dwellings in 2020, and reserved matters for 50 dwellings were approved in 2023.

“F/YR23/0114/RM Reserved Matters application relating to detailed matters of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale pursuant to outline permission F/YR19/0152/O to erect 50 x dwellings (18 x 2-bed, 26 x 3- bed and 6 x 4-bed) with associated access and parking, the formation of an attenuation pond, and alterations to ground levels…”

“F/YR19/0152/O Erection of up to 50no dwellings (outline application with all matters reserved) Granted 26/8/20”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Housing officers raised no comments, while the county council approved the revised education contribution and agreed nomination rights for five dwellings.

“Cambridgeshire County Council Development and Policy Manager I can confirm that the County Council has approved the revised education contribution of £2,000 per plot. However, due to the significant reduction in the overall contribution, distributing the funding across primary, secondary, and early years provision would limit the feasibility of delivering meaningful mitigation projects.”

“Additionally, the principle of nomination rights for the five dwellings has been agreed between Accent and the Adult Social Care team.”

Officer report

Who spoke

David Rowen presented the report, and Matthew Leigh responded to members’ questions about allocations and open space.

What members discussed

Members discussed affordable housing priorities, local connections, the number of people seeking affordable rent and whether play equipment should be provided on site.

“Members asked questions of officers as follows: • Councillor Mrs French asked if there is public open space or play equipment on the site as she is thinking about Pride of Place funding which is coming on board.”

“Matthew Leigh stated that paragraph 8.11 states that the open space contribution was secured for off-site improvement or provision of facilities in the area of Chatteris as the site is too small to require anything on site and there is very limited open space in the development, with the reserved matters plan showing there is no play equipment being provided on site, which is why the £38,000 is still seen as necessary to off set the harm from the development.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Mrs French proposed granting the application, Councillor Imafidon seconded it, and members agreed.

“Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Imafidon and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes