54 homes and play changes at Land East Of The Elms, Chatteris

What was proposed

The application sought to change the southern access, remove the on-site play area, and remove affordable housing from permission for up to 80 homes.

“This Section 73 application relates to land east of The Elms, Chatteris; a 3.59- hectare site forming the northern part of the East Chatteris Strategic Allocation (Policy LP10, Fenland Local Plan 2014). Outline planning permission was granted in September 2024 for up to 80 dwellings, subject to a Section 106 agreement securing 20% affordable housing and financial contributions, including the provision of an on-site Locally Equipped Area for Play (LEAP).”

“To amend Condition 7 to remove the requirement for a vehicular access to the southern boundary, retaining only a cycleway/footpath link; • To remove Condition 16 requiring an on-site LEAP, replacing this with a financial contribution towards improvements at the Wenny Recreation Ground; and • To remove affordable housing provision, supported by a detailed viability assessment.”

Officer report

The site

The 3.59-hectare site is informal grassland on Chatteris’s eastern edge, accessed from The Elms and Green Park, with surface water flooding concerns.

“The application site is located at the eastern edge of Chatteris and can be accessed from The Elms (cul-de-sac) and Green Park, existing residential areas to the west and north of the site respectively. The site measures 3.59 hectares and is located within Flood Zone 1, but is subject to surface water flooding.”

“The site forms the northern part of the East Chatteris Strategic Allocation in the adopted local plan. A Broad Concept Plan was adopted by Planning Committee in June 2017, which covered a larger 26-hectare site in total, including land north of Wenny Road and west of the A142. The adopted BCP identified overall potential for up to 350 dwellings across the whole BCP area.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the independently reviewed viability evidence showed the scheme could not support affordable housing or infrastructure contributions and still be delivered.

“Taking into account the findings of the preceding assessment, it is considered that the independently reviewed viability evidence prepared by CP Viability Ltd, supported by the cost verification undertaken by an independent Quantity Surveyor, provides a robust and transparent basis for decision-making.”

“This conclusion contrasts with the initial position taken during the original grant of permission, where the scheme was deemed capable of supporting those obligations. However, the updated viability testing, reflecting current construction costs, market conditions, and abnormal site requirements, demonstrates that these assumptions are no longer achievable.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council, a local councillor and residents objected, while highways, environmental health, and leisure officers raised no objection or supported alternatives.

“Objection: initially the Town Council raised concerns that the removal of the vehicular access will increase traffic on St Martins Road, Birch Avenue, and The Elms, which cannot cope with additional volumes. Following the second consultation, the Town Council recommends refusal, noting the development is unpopular and provides no direct community benefit.”

“Recommend Refusal and strongly object to the proposal. There are no section 106 agreements which will benefit the town, despite the fact that the land was sold by FDC for a profit. The town will gain nothing from this development. Affordable housing, which is badly needed for the young people of the town was to be the only benefit for the community and the proposal is now to remove that element.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A district councillor supported the application, and the agent explained the flooding, viability, access and play proposals to members.

The committee vote

Councillor Mrs French proposed approval, Councillor Murphy seconded it, and the committee agreed to grant the application as recommended.

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

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to completion of the legal agreement and planning conditions, including the revised pedestrian and cycle connection.

“The Committee delegates authority to finalise the terms and completion of the s106 legal agreement and planning conditions to the Head of Planning; and…”

Officer report