46 dwellings at Land At Dean Forest Farm, Unlawater Lane, Newnham

The site and its setting

The site is agricultural land outside Newnham’s settlement boundary, beside recent housing, the railway, a cricket ground and a public right of way.

“Occupying an irregular shape in plan the site adjoins but lies outside the settlement boundary for Newnham as defined by the Core Strategy. The site is also positioned outside of the Newnham Conservation Area located to the south. Comprising several agricultural fields it is located on the northernmost edge of the village, adjoining the recent residential scheme of Severnbank Avenue and Cliffe Orchard Drive to the south, developed under Policy AP100 of the Allocations Plan.”

“Peter's C of E Primary School, the dwellings of Unlawater Land and Smithyman Close with the main bulk of the village beyond.. The Newport to Gloucester railway line runs in a north south direction adjoining the western edge of the application site. At its lowest point in the east the land rises up gently towards the railway line to the west.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council did not object subject to a speed restriction change, while specialist consultees generally supported the scheme subject to conditions and contributions.

“Newnham Parish Council No objection subject to the developer relocating the 30mph speed restriction to the Gloucester side of the development junction. Stroud District Council Given the distance, topography, other built forms and vegetation cover the scheme will not be overly prominent and is unlikely to cause significant impact to the landscape setting on the Stroud District side of the river.”

“Trees No objection subject to the Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Method Statement have been updated to take account of the amendments to the site layout. Severn Trent Initial Comments Are unable to comment until they have undertaken further investigations. Latest Comments As surface water is to discharge to watercourse raise no objection to the proposals.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector spoke for the Newnham History Research Group and local archaeologists, and the agent spoke in support for the applicant.

What members discussed

Members discussed how further archaeological finds would be investigated, preservation of the remains, affordable housing and protection from future development.

“Q: If, building works uncover any interesting finds, will this stop the building works so they can be further investigated.”

“A: The remains were discovered at the start of the year and archaeologists have been involved since that time. Everything that has been done has been in discussions and consultation with the County Archaeologist. It is common practise to preserve finds like these for future generations by covering them back up.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor James Bevan proposed delegated permission, Councillor Patrick Kyne seconded it, and all eleven voting members supported the proposal.

“Councillor James Bevan proposed to grant delegated permission to the Officers to move this site forwards…”

“Councillor Patrick Kyne seconded the proposal…”

Minutes