Up to nine homes at Land North West Of 16 Westfield Road, Manea

What was proposed

Permission in principle was sought for up to nine detached homes, with parking, landscaping and a new access road.

“The application seeks Permission in Principle for up to nine dwellings on an undeveloped backland site on the northern side of Westfield Road within the built up area of Manea. The assessment is limited to the principle issues of location, use and amount, with detailed matters to be considered at the Technical Details stage.”

“These indicate the provision of up to nine detached dwellings with associated parking and landscaping together with the provision of an access road.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The undeveloped backland site lies beside Manea’s built-up area, mainly in Flood Zone 1, with a small section in Flood Zones 2 and 3.

“The application site is located on the northern side of Westfield Road and comprises a backland plot that appears to have previously been used for agricultural purposes. The site is currently undeveloped and lies adjacent to the built-up area of Manea.”

“The area of the site to be developed is not subject to any planning constraints. However, it should be noted that the small rectangular section to the north-west lies within Flood Zones 2 and 3. The remainder of the site, as outlined in red on the submitted plans, is situated within Flood Zone 1.”

Officer report

Earlier nearby development

The site had no recent relevant planning history, but three nearby backland housing schemes had been granted permission.

“The site as outlined in red does not benefit from any recent relevant planning history. However, the below table denotes the planning history of adjacent sites for similar development:”

“Reference Proposal Decision F/YR22/0495/O Erection of 9 x self-build/custom dwellings with associated garages and parking involving demolition of existing shed (outline application with matters committed in respect of access) Land to the rear of 36 Westfield Road, Manea Granted F/YR23/0275/F Erect 6 x dwellings (4 x 2-storey 2-bed and 2 x single-storey 3-bed) and formation of a new access involving demolition of existing dwelling and shed 18 Westfield Road, Manea Granted…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered Manea a growth village, the site sustainably located, residential use acceptable and nine homes a suitable low-density amount.

“Policy LP12 identifies that to receive support, the site must be in or adjacent to the existing developed footprint of the village, defined as the continuous built form of the village and excludes individual buildings and groups of dispersed, or intermittent buildings, that are clearly detached from the continuous built-up area of the settlement.”

“As discussed above, and when giving appropriate weight to recent planning decisions within the immediate vicinity of the site, it is considered that the proposed use of this parcel of land for residential development is acceptable in principle. The established pattern of in-depth development along West Field Road demonstrates a clear precedent for backland residential schemes in this location.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council objected over backland development, overdevelopment, access, drainage, sewage and precedent, while highways and several other consultees raised no objection.

“The Parish Council object to the proposal for the following reasons: - Back land development - Over development - Inadequate access and splays - Inadequate drainage…”

“No objection, whilst this site lies in an area of archaeological interest at this stage, specific recommendations cannot be made, without sight of a finalised site layout plan and an understanding of the scale and impacts of the proposed development. We are content that no works are required prior to determination of an application. Request to be consulted on any future planning application for development within the redline area…”

Officer report

The committee heard

The agent supported approval, highlighting the growth-village location, nearby services, lack of technical objections and previous approvals along Westfield Road.

The vote

A motion to grant the application in line with the officer recommendation was proposed, seconded and agreed.

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

Minutes

The decision

Permission in principle was granted for up to nine dwellings and a new access.

“F/YR25/0957/PIP LAND NORTH WEST OF 16 WESTFIELD ROAD, MANEA PERMISSION IN PRINCIPLE TO ERECT UP TO 9 X DWELLINGS INCLUDING THE FORMATION OF A NEW ACCESS”

Minutes