Self-build bungalow at Garages At River Drive, March

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing dilapidated garages with a single-storey self-build or custom dwelling, boundary fence, garden, parking and storage.

“The application proposes to demolish the existing garages on site replace these with a single dwelling utilising the existing access to the site from Deerfield Road. The dwelling has been confirmed by the applicant to be self/custom build, “designed by me and will be constructed on our behalf for my family”.”

“The submitted plans propose a single storey dwelling that contains a bedroom, bathroom, wc, storage, utility room, combined kitchen / living room, and a covered dining area. The interior of the property will be a double height space. A garden will be provided adjacent to the north-west facing side elevation, with two car parking spaces provided to the south-east of the dwelling.”

Officer report

The site

The plot is beside a public footpath and surrounded by homes, with former unused garages, Flood Zone 1 status and surface water flood risk.

“The plot is a parcel of land which is bordered by an existing public footpath that runs from Deerfield Road in a north-westerly direction to public open space at the rear of River Drive. The proposed dwelling is to be located on the site of former vehicular garages which are no longer in use and are dilapidated in appearance.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers considered the revised dwelling remained cramped and out of character, would overlook two neighbouring properties, and lacked a legal agreement securing self-build occupation.

“Policy LP16 (d) of the Fenland Local Plan 2014 seeks to ensure that proposals make a positive contribution to the local distinctiveness and character of the area. The application site is constrained in size and consequently the dwelling proposed would result in a linear form of development, in close proximity to the boundaries of the site.”

“In the absence of a legal agreement or other enforceable mechanism to secure the delivery and occupation of the proposed dwelling as a self-build unit, the development fails to meet the definition and requirements of self- build housing as set out in the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended).”

Officer report

What the applicant said

The applicant said the revised, smaller bungalow matched nearby development, improved the area, avoided overlooking and had growing community support.

The committee vote

Members agreed a proposal to grant permission against the officer recommendation, with conditions delegated to officers in consultation with the proposer and seconder.

“Proposed by Councillor Marks, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED against the officer’s recommendation with conditions delegated to officers in consultation with the proposer and seconder.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted the application because bringing the site back into use would benefit the community and the applicant had made significant changes after the appeal comments.

“Members do not support officer’s recommendation of refusal of planning permission as they feel by bringing the site back into use there will be a community benefit, and the applicant has taken the Inspector’s comments into consideration making significant alterations to the scheme.”

Minutes