Nine homes at Cherryholt Farm, Lewis Close, March

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to nine homes after demolishing agricultural buildings, with all detailed matters reserved for later approval.

“Erect up to 9 x dwellings involving the demolition of existing agricultural buildings (outline application with all matters reserved)”

“The application seeks outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the erection of 9 no. dwellings following the demolition of the existing agricultural buildings on site.”

Officer report

The site

The site lies at the end of a residential cul-de-sac near March and includes a farmhouse, stables, outbuildings and open countryside.

“The application site is an existing dwelling which lies at the end of Lewis Close, a small residential cul-de-sac approximately 1km to the southwest of March town centre. Lewis Close is at the end of Cherrywood Avenue, which is also a residential cul-de-sac consisting of a variety of single and two storey mid-to-late twentieth century dwellinghouses.”

“The application site consists of an existing dwelling, Cherryholt Farm, and associated stables and outbuildings. To the north and west of the existing farm buildings is open countryside, some of which is included as part of the application site, and to the south of the site is an established hedgerow which acts as a field boundary with the farmland to the south, which is outside of the proposal site.”

Officer report

Earlier advice

Earlier advice was given on a proposal for nine homes in January 2024.

“23/0081/PREAPP Erection of 9 dwellings General advice given January 2024”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers accepted the housing principle but found insufficient information about safe access and harm to the retained farmhouse’s amenity.

“This application seeks outline permission for up to 9 dwellings on land that is identified as part of the West March Strategic Allocation and will be accessed from Lewis Close, a cul-de-sac. The existing farmhouse is outside of the site and does not form part of this application.”

“However, the application includes insufficient information to determine whether the proposed development can be accessed in an acceptable and safe manner to prevent a detrimental impact upon highway safety, or to demonstrate that accessing the site would not result in a detrimental impact upon the amenity of the occupants of Cherryholt Farmhouse in respect of light, noise and vibration from vehicles, as well as a loss of privacy from these vehicle movements and…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council supported the proposal subject to drainage and construction safeguards, while consultees raised no principle objection but sought further information and conditions.

“No objection, subject to the imposition of a condition relating to contaminated land assessment being submitted prior to the commencement of development and a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).”

“This is an Outline Application with all matters reserved therefore the access is not to be decided or approved at this time. Any decision or further comments made on this site by the LHA will be completed during the next stage of the application. Therefore I have no further comments as the applicant has not provided the information I sought in order to make an informed decision and provide the advice needed to propose a suitable access.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Residents raised concerns about drainage, traffic, the junction, parking, dust, asbestos and overhanging trees.

“A total of 4 no. letters have been received from residents of Burrowmoor Road, Lewis Close, Grove Avenue and Cherrywood Green, March. Two of the letters object to the proposal, whilst the other two state facts, raising the following points:”

“Comments Officer Response Existing culvert will not cope (drainage). See ‘Drainage and Flood Risk’ section of report Land is part of a deceased estate. Agricultural right of way across the land and tenancy agreement on barns. Not material planning considerations Traffic impact. See ‘Highways’ section of report Lewis Close would be a tight junction and also would result in overspill parking. See ‘Highways’ section of report Dust and asbestos.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported the application, arguing that existing farm traffic, the site’s location and later reserved matters supported approval.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission against the officer recommendation, with conditions delegated to officers in consultation with two councillors.

“Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Purser and agreed that the application be GRANTED against officer’s recommendation, with conditions delegated to officers to apply in consultation with Councillors Connor and [name withheld].”

“Members do not support officer’s recommendation of refusal of planning policy as they feel that the Highway Authority has not objected to the application, is it believed the access can be achieved and the proposal complies with all other planning policies.”

Minutes