Nine homes at Former Bus Depot, Mitcheldean

What was proposed

The application proposed nine detached homes, parking, landscaping and related works, with the existing buildings demolished.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the development of nine residential dwellings, together with associated parking provision, landscaping, and ancillary works. The scheme also includes the demolition of the existing buildings currently on site.”

“While the existing buildings are to be removed, the majority of the site's stone boundary walling is proposed to be retained. A new stone wall is also proposed along the south- eastern boundary.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site was a former coach depot within Mitcheldean’s settlement boundary, beside homes, open land, a churchyard and a Conservation Area.

“The application site is located within the defined settlement boundary of Mitcheldean and comprises a former coach depot, historically occupied by a long-established coach and transport business until its closure around 2007. The site contains several substantial commercial buildings set within an open yard.”

“The entire site lies within Flood Zone 1. However, land immediately to the west, including St Michael’s Close, falls within Flood Zones 2 and 3. An ordinary watercourse runs adjacent to the southern boundary, entering the site at the south-western corner where it slows into a small pool before flowing eastwards through a culvert beneath the site.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history, and no pre-application advice had been sought.

“There is no relevant planning history associated with the site. Pre-application advice has not been sought from the FoDDC regarding the proposal.”

Officer report

What residents said

One neighbouring resident supported the proposal while identifying an owl roost, nesting birds, an old wall and a well-used back lane.

“One representation has been received from a neighbouring resident. They note the presence of a tawny owl roosting in one of the garages and tree sparrows nesting in the ivy. They also highlight that the garages are built on an old wall and that the ‘back lane’ is well-used by the public. Overall, the resident considers the proposal to be a good idea.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No objector, parish representative or supporter spoke, while Councillor Trevor Roach spoke as a ward member.

Members’ debate

Members asked about future flooding and the emergency access, and were told that the agreed alternative footpath addressed possible flooding near the access.

“Q: How happy are we that these properties will not get flooded in the future given that there is an emergency flooding access and exit point.”

“A: The Flood Risk Management team have no objections. They have negotiated for a long time on this application. There is no concern that the site itself might flood but the access to the site via St Michael’s Close may flood nearby. This is the solution that has been agreed which is to have an alternative footpath for pedestrians on and off the site.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Simon Phelps proposed accepting the officers’ recommendation, Councillor James Bevan seconded it, and all ten voting members supported it.

“Councillor Simon Phelps proposed that they accept the officers recommendation…”

“Councillor James Bevan seconded the proposal…”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted as set out in the schedule and late material.

“RESOLVED:- That they Grant Permission as detailed in the schedule and the late material.”

Minutes