Two rural dwellings at Land West Of Prospect House Farm, Whittlesey Road, March

What was proposed

The application sought demolition of existing agricultural buildings, two two-storey four-bedroom homes, detached double garages and a new access.

“The proposal seeks full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings on site and the erection of 2no dwellings and detached double garage. The proposal is located in an ‘Elsewhere’ location, and it is therefore not considered that the site is in a sustainable location for residential development. Whilst there is an extant Class Q approval on-site for the conversion of a building into 2no.”

“The proposal seeks the demolition of the existing agricultural buildings on site and the erection of 2no. dwellings that are two-storey, 4-bed in nature. The proposed palette of materials comprises timber cladding and slate roof tiles. The proposed dwellings measure 13.4m in width, 11.6m in depth, 5m in height to the eaves and 7.6m in height to the ridge. 3.3.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is in a rural location about 1 kilometre from Turves, with agricultural buildings, a nearby home and Flood Zone 3 designation.

“The application site is located on Land West of Prospect House Farm, Whittlesey Road in March.”

“The site is located in a rural location approximately 1km from Turves and comprises three buildings that are of agricultural vernacular. There is a residential dwelling immediately adjacent to the eastern boundary of the site, with the next residential property located approximately 200m south of the application site. The site is located within Flood Zone 3 and is at very low risk of surface water flooding. PROPOSAL”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier prior approvals included one approval for a five-bedroom conversion and a later approval for two dwellings, alongside two refusals.

“F/YR16/0902/PNC04 Change of use from agricultural building to 2- storey, 5-bed dwelling Prior Approval Granted 17.02.17 F/YR22/0712/PNC04 Change of use from agricultural building to 2 x dwellings Prior Approval Refused 08.08.22 F/YR23/0567/PNC04 Change of use from agricultural building to 2 x dwellings Prior Approval Refused 24.08.23 F/YR24/0414/PNC04 Change of use from agricultural buildings to 2 x dwellings Prior Approval Granted 18.09.24”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers considered the site unsustainable, the larger homes harmful to the rural landscape, and the proposal unsuccessful in both flood-risk tests.

“The proposals fails both the Sequential and Exception Test as it is not demonstrated that the development could be accommodated elsewhere, nor that there are wider sustainability benefits that would outweigh the harm arising from the flood risk associated with the site. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy LP14 of the Fenland Local Plan, and Chapter 14 of the NPPF. 1.5.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

The town council and consultees raised no objection or supported the proposal, while ten residents submitted letters supporting it.

“March Town Council – 03.12.25 Recommendation; Approval 5.2. Environment Agency – 21.11.25 No objection 5.3. Environmental Health – 24.11.25 No objection subject to condition securing Contaminated Land mitigation 5.4. FDC Ecology – 26.11.25 I have no overall objections to the proposals on Ecology grounds. I would accept that the development could achieve the required biodiversity net gain on ‐site by the…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported approval, saying the existing Class Q approval established a relevant fallback and the replacement homes would improve the site.

The vote

Councillor Mrs French proposed refusal, Councillor Murphy seconded it, and the committee agreed.

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

Minutes