Three dwellings at Land North Of 450 To 454 March Road, Turves

“Erect 3 x dwellings involving the formation of accesses (outline application with all matters reserved)”

“The application site extends to approximately 3,870sqm and comprises a parcel of land situated to the north of March Road, close to its junction with Whittlesey Road. Existing residential development lies to the south, fronting March Road, and to the east along Whittlesey Road. To the north and west, the land remains open in character, with the Peterborough–March railway line also located immediately to the north. The entire site lies within Flood Zone 3.”

“Outline planning permission is sought, with all matters reserved, for the construction of three dwellings. Indicative plans have been submitted showing access taken from March Road together with an illustrative layout of the site. Whilst the precise details would be addressed at the reserved matters stage, the information provided is considered to give a reasonable indication of how the site could be developed…”

“There is no relevant site history pertaining to the site as outlined in red. The below relates to sites within the vicinity:”

“Reference Description Decision F/YR23/0362/O Erect up to 3 x dwellings with associated accesses and infrastructure (outline application with all matters reserved) Granted…”

“The Sequential Test for flood risk has not been properly undertaken in accordance with the updated guidance (June 2025), and the Exception Test is only partially satisfied. As such, the proposal is contrary to national and local policy on flood risk.”

“On balance, the modest benefits of three dwellings are outweighed by environmental harm, flood risk, insufficient ecological information, and conflict with local and national planning policy. The application is therefore recommended for refusal.”

“Councillor Benney stated that if the application is going to be deferred there are two reasons for refusal and if the application is deferred for an ecological report that may never come back to the committee then that would then be down to officers to decide on the reason for refusal in relation to Flood Zone 3. He questioned whether the application is deferred on both points or should the committee consider the Flood Zone element now.”

“Councillor Benney stated that if the committee accept that it is a suitable site to build on, and members accept the Flood Zone 3, with everything built in Turves being in Flood Zone 3 then mitigation measures can be attached to the application. He added that if members deem that to be acceptable and then only refuse the application on ecology grounds and if it came back with a ecology report which was favourable then that can be overcome.”

“Councillor Mrs French stated that she suggests that the application be deferred and for the committee to consider the advice provided to the committee by the Head of Planning. She added that the committee disregarded his advice previously when he had advised members that a three-month period was not sufficient timescale to defer the application. Councillor…”

“[name withheld] added that the Head of Planning is now advising the committee not to add a time frame but that does concern her. She added that she would still like to see the application deferred so that officers work with the applicant in order to allow the survey to come out. • Councillor Connor asked Councillor Mrs French to clarify her proposal.”