Four terraced dwellings at Land North Of 2 - 8 Gibside Avenue, Chatteris

The site and its setting

The site lies behind homes on Gibside Avenue, has an existing access, is within Chatteris settlement boundary and is in low-risk Flood Zone 1.

“Along the north side there is a hedge and a mature Ash/Sycamore tree. The site has an existing access directly from Gibside Avenue which takes an informal route through the site, exiting at the north-east corner and then continuing to Fairways to the east.”

“The site is located within Flood Zone 1 (low risk) and within the settlement boundary of Chatteris.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

Outline permission for up to four dwellings was granted in 2023, after an earlier five-dwelling application was withdrawn.

“Reference Description Decision F/YR22/1186/FDC Erect up to 4x dwellings and associated works (outline application with matters committed in respect of access) Granted 01/11/2023 F/YR13/0745/FDC Erection of 5 dwellings involving the demolition of existing garages Withdrawn 15/0236/PREAPP Proposed residential development Acceptable 16/12/2015”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the detailed appearance, layout, scale and landscaping acceptable, with sufficient parking and no likely harmful effects on neighbouring homes.

“This application is a reserved matters application relating to detailed matters of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale pursuant to outline permission F/YR22/1186/FDC to erect up to 4 x dwellings. Access was committed at outline stage.”

“As such, the details submitted relating to appearance, landscaping, layout and scale are considered to be acceptable and the application is therefore recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Support for the homes

Seven letters supported the development for improving the area, providing housing and fitting the surroundings; another representation sought allocated additional parking.

“Supporting Comments Officer Response Visual amenity/tidy up the area Addressed within ‘Appearance, Layout and Scale’ assessment section Improve local amenities It is unlikely that the addition of 4 dwellings would impact upon local amenities. Providing new housing The proposed development would provide 4 3-bedroom homes. In keeping Addressed within ‘Appearance, Layout and Scale’ assessment section…”

“Comments Officer Response Additional parking needs to be allocated The submitted site plan indicates the provision of 14 additional parking spaces more than the parking required for the dwellings themselves. Whilst it is acknowledged that surrounding properties have historically parked within the site, as discussed in the outline approval, this was an informal arrangement.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported the application, citing the existing outline permission, similar layout, parking, design and absence of technical objections.

What members discussed

Members supporting the proposal described it as filling a gap, making good use of derelict land and providing homes for families.

“Members asked questions of [name withheld] as follows: • Councillor Mrs French stated that she was lobbied on this application and it was a lengthy objection and asked if the issues had been sorted with the objectors as she believes he was liaising with them? [name withheld] responded that they had not.”

“Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows: • Councillor Murphy expressed the view that the proposal fills a gap, it is built up around the site, and it was a piece of land that was always going to be built on so he fully supports it. • Councillor Marks made the point that this is about land usage, and this makes the best use of land, which is derelict at this time and the proposal will provide good homes for families.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Murphy proposed granting the application, Councillor Purser seconded it, and the committee agreed.

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

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted in line with the officer recommendation, subject to conditions covering privacy, lighting and management of roads and shared areas.

“Approve, subject to the following conditions:”

“Reason - In order to ensure that the site meets the crime prevention guidelines in accordance with Policy LP17 of the Fenland Local Plan 2014. Prior to occupation details of the proposed arrangements for future management and maintenance of the proposed roads and footpaths and shared areas (including lighting) within the development shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Officer report