15 homes with open space at Phase B Land East Of Berryfield, March

What was proposed

The application sought 15 two-storey homes, associated infrastructure, garages, public open space and a detention basin.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the development of 15 dwellings, associated access, garages, public open space and a detention basin on land east of the emerging Berryfields development, March. The site measures approximately 2.39ha, with the developable area focused to the west on land within Flood Zone 1, while the eastern portion, within Flood Zones 2 and 3 remains undeveloped as public open space.”

“Planning permission is sought for the construction of 15 dwellings together with associated public open space and a detention basin. The proposed access road would extend eastwards from the existing turning head of the adjacent development currently under construction, with eight dwellings positioned along this east–west section (five to the south and three to the north).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council objected, while the highways, Environment Agency, ecology, archaeology and other consultees raised no objections subject to conditions or advice.

“Originally raised concerns due to insufficient information having been provided in terms of the protection and retention of the trees along the boundary of the site. Following receipt of an arboricultural impact assessment the original comments have been address with no objections or further comments raised.”

“No objection, subject to the inclusion of conditions should the application be approved.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Four residents’ letters raised congestion, flooding, agricultural land loss, contributions, developer conduct and concerns about the viability information.

“Four letters of objection have been received from residents on Berryfields and Burnet Gardens, these comments are summarised below:”

“Objecting Comments Officer Response Congestion Comments noted and discussed in the below report. Flooding Comments noted and discussed I the below report Loss of arable land Comments noted and discussed I the below report Developers disrespectful and don’t pay necessary contributions Comments noted. Incorrect land shown as common land Comments are noted. However, none of the submitted application plans identify any land as common land.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported the revised scheme, explaining that the previous refusal reasons had been addressed through the new layout and ecological information.

Members’ discussion

Members focused on the lack of affordable housing and contributions, and on ensuring construction traffic, mud and road conditions were properly managed.

“Councillor Mrs French expressed concern that there is a lack of Section 106 contributions and no affordable housing attributed to the application and she questioned who is going to contribute towards the schools and GP services? She added that there are likely to be at least 35 residents plus children who will requires education facilities as well as doctors and dentists and she questioned who is going to pay for those services? Councillor Mrs French stated that she does…”

“Members asked officers the following questions: • Councillor Mrs French stated that the site has already has development which has been built out and there was a management plan included at that time. She explained that when that was built out, she had cause to attend the site repeatedly with regards to issues being caused due to mud on the road and made the point that should the application be approved it is essential that a strong management plan is included.”

Minutes

The vote

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

“Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows: • Councillor Mrs French stated that she has listened to the points made by officers and is not requesting that a sweeper is on site all day every day.”

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

Minutes