Up to nine dwellings at Land South Of 4 - 16 Back Road, Gorefield

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to nine dwellings, with all detailed matters reserved and an indicative cul-de-sac layout with a new footpath.

“The application seeks outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the erection of up to 9 dwellings. The indicative site plan submitted with the application indicates a cul-de-sac style development, and the creation of a new footpath extending east along Back Road from the access point onto the site. Full plans and associated documents for this application can be found at: https://www.publicaccess.fenland.gov.uk/publicaccess/”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the previous decision, the flood-risk evidence, sustainability benefits and proposed mitigation sufficient to make the development acceptable overall.

“The proposal seeks outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the erection of up to 9no. dwellings. Whilst concerns are maintained in respect of the location/principle of development, impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area, and inefficient use of land by virtue of the extremely low density of development, consideration is given to the previous committee decision made under application F/YR24/0772/O, which found these…”

“The current application is supported by sufficient information to demonstrate that these tests are passed by virtue of an absence of alternatively available sites within the search area of Gorefield to accommodate the development, that the development will be safe from flood risk for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and that there will be wider sustainability benefits to outweigh the harm caused by the development. 1.4.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported approval, saying the sequential-test concerns had been addressed and no issues remained, including on flood risk and highways.

Committee discussion

Members discussed drainage-board consultation and confirmed that the drainage board had no objection subject to a surface-water condition.

“Members asked the [name withheld] the following questions: • Councillor Mrs French asked whether any contact has been made with the North Level Internal Drainage Board with regards to the application? [name withheld] stated that she has not consulted them but believes that they are automatically consulted as part of the consultation process.”

“Members asked officers the following questions: • Councillor Marks asked for confirmation as to what response the Internal Drainage Board provided to officers? Alan Davies explained that response was received on 24 June which stated that they had no objection subject to a pre-commencement condition requiring submission of surface water systems and outfalls.”

Minutes

The vote

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

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

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted in line with the officer recommendation, subject to conditions securing reserved matters, drainage, flood mitigation and other safeguards.

“Approval of the details of: i. the layout of the site ii. ii. the scale of the building(s); iii. iii. the external appearance of the building(s); iv. iv. the means of access thereto; v. v. the landscaping (hereinafter called "the Reserved Matters") shall be obtained from the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of development.”

“Application for approval of the Reserved Matters shall be made to the Local Planning Authority before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this permission.”

Officer report