Four single-storey dwellings at The Piggeries, Flaggrass Hill Road, March

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to four single-storey dwellings, with access approved and other details reserved for later.

“The application seeks outline planning permission, with access as the only matter for approval, for the erection of up to four single storey dwellings on a 0.25- hectare site located to the north-east of March outside the built form of the settlement. The site previously operated as a piggery and has been cleared of former buildings and vegetation. It is accessed via a single track from Flaggrass Hill Road and lies within Flood Zone 1.”

“The application seeks outline planning permission for the erection of up to four single storey dwellings, with all detailed matters reserved for subsequent consideration except for access, which is proposed via the existing vehicular access into the site from Flagrass Hill Road.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The former piggery site is outside March, reached by a single track, and lies in Flood Zone 1 with archaeological and surface-water considerations.

“The site comprises approximately 0.25 hectares of agricultural land located to the north-east of March but outside the main settlement. The land was last used as a piggery and was previously partially occupied by dilapidated buildings and overgrown vegetation. These structures and vegetation have been cleared. At the time of the case officer’s site visit, the site comprised overgrown scrub with several piles of debris present across the land.”

“The surrounding area along Flaggrass Hill Road and Creek Road is characterised by relatively modest single storey dwellings which front directly onto the highway. The site lies within Flood Zone 1, having regard to the latest Environment Agency Flood Maps for Planning. A drain runs along the eastern boundary of the site. The route of the Fen Causeway, an important Roman road within an area of exceptional archaeological interest, crosses the site to the south.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers found policy and pedestrian-access harms, but considered the previous permission, limited visibility, mitigation and housing benefits outweighed them.

“The site is located outside the defined settlement of March in an ‘Elsewhere’ location and benefits from limited pedestrian connectivity, which reduces its accessibility to local services and facilities and conflicts with the sustainability aims of Policies LP3 and LP15 of the Fenland Local Plan and paragraph 115 of the NPPF.”

“Overall, the proposal results in conflict with the settlement hierarchy and sustainability objectives of Policy LP3 and with pedestrian accessibility objectives under Policy LP15. However, these harms must be balanced against the material weight afforded to the previously approved residential permission, the limited harm to the appearance of the area, the ability to adequately mitigate technical matters through condition and the modest economic and housing benefits…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council recommended approval, consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, and residents submitted seven objections and sixteen supporting letters.

“Seven letters of objection have been received from residents of Creek Fen, March, these comments are summarised below:”

“Sixteen Letters of support have been received from residents on Kingswood Road, Knights End View, Worsley Chase, Gaul Road, Berryfield, Grounds Avenue, Cross Road, Dartford Road, Coldham Bank, Norwood Avenue, Upwell Road, College Gardens, Cavalry Drive, Ellingham Avenue and Westwood Avenue, March and Luckly Lane, Wisbech. These are summarised below:”

Officer report

What the agent said

The agent supported the proposal as a previously supported four-bungalow scheme and said reports found no objections, with the site in Flood Zone 1.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the previous permission, the condition of Flaggrass Hill Road and why the site had not previously been developed.

“Members asked questions of [name withheld] as follows: • Councillor Mrs French asked if [name withheld] had been to the site recently as she visited the site and thought someone had thrown a bomb in the road. She asked if there are any plans to do something with Flaggrass Hill Road? [name withheld] responded that he was at the site three weeks ago, but this application does not include any improvements to Flaggrass Hill Road.”

“Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows: • Councillor Mrs French made the point that it has already received planning permission which has unfortunately run out, and she does not see anything different on this application, and it should be approved. • Councillor Purser agreed.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Purser proposed, Councillor Imafidon seconded, and members agreed to grant the application as recommended.

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

Minutes