240 homes, cemetery and car park at Land North Of Barlestone Road, Newbold Verdon

What was proposed

The outline scheme proposed up to 240 homes, a cemetery, health centre car park, public open space and associated infrastructure, with only access decided now.

“Proposal: Outline planning application (all matters reserved except vehicular access) for the erection of 240 residential dwellings (Use Class C3), retention of the existing accesses off Barlestone Road and the creation of new accesses off Barlestone Road, a cemetery and a health centre car park, public open space and associated infrastructure.”

“The scheme proposes to retain the existing access route which serves Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre, no new residential properties would be accessed from this point but this access is proposed to serve the cemetery and any associated car parking area.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 13.9-hectare site was agricultural grazing land outside but beside Newbold Verdon’s settlement boundary, crossed by footpaths and Nursery Lane.

“The land is currently agricultural grazing land, subdivided into several field parcels. The site is bound by Newbold Verdon Equestrian Centre to the northwest of the site with its access running through the site itself. Further agricultural land lies to the north and west and much of the east of the site with the exception of ‘The Firs’ which is a residential property with associated outbuildings.”

“The application site is crossed by two Public Rights of Way (PRoW) footpaths R88 and S11 and a route named ‘Nursery Lane’ also known as ‘Harry’s Lane’ for the purpose of this report the lane will be referred to as ‘Nursery Lane’. Footpath S11 lies in the northwest of the site running from Barlestone Road to the north and footpath R88 runs diagonally across the eastern part of the site from Barlestone Road to the northeast.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions or contributions, while county archaeology requested further pre-determination assessment and the parish council objected.

“We would therefore recommend that the applicant be required to complete the Archaeological Impact Assessment of the site through further pre- determination trial trench evaluation, in order to test any anomalies, in addition to any geophysically ‘blank’ areas.”

“LCC Development Contributions (No objections subject to infrastructure contributions)”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector, representatives of the applicant and a representative of the parish council spoke about the application.

What members debated

Members considered that the harm outweighed the benefits because the scheme affected the village character, lay outside the settlement boundary and harmed countryside character and access.

“Notwithstanding the officer’s recommendation that permission be granted, members felt that the harm outweighed the benefits of the proposed development as it would have a detrimental impact on the character of the village, was outside of the settlement boundary, would have a detrimental impact on the character of and access to the countryside, particularly on the eastern edge and was therefore contrary to policies DM4 and DM10 of the Site Allocations and Development…”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was refused because the development would harm the village character, be outside the settlement boundary and harm the character of and access to the countryside.

“RESOLVED – permission be refused due to detrimental impact on the character of the village, being outside of the settlement boundary and detrimental impact on the character of and access to the countryside.”

Minutes