135-home housing development at Land South Of Jacqueline Road, Field Head

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to 135 dwellings, open space, outdoor play, landscaping and infrastructure, with access considered in detail.

“Proposal: Outline planning application for the erection of up to 135 dwellings, amenity space, areas for outdoor play, landscaping and all associated infrastructure (all matters except access reserved)”

“The planning application seeks outline permission for the erection of up to 135 dwellings. Matters surrounding the proposed access are to be considered in detail with matters relating to layout, appearance, landscaping and scale to be deferred to and considered in detail in the context of future reserved matters submission(s). 2.2.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 6.39-hectare agricultural site lies outside but next to Markfield and Field Head’s settlement boundary, beside homes, Ratby Lane and woodland.

“Description of the Site and Surrounding Area 3.1. The application site comprises 6.39 hectares of agricultural land which is bounded by the rear boundaries of the dwellings located along Jacqueline Road to the north, and Ratby Lane to the west. A well-defined woodland belt is located to the south of the application site. An existing public footpath also runs adjacent to the southern boundary through the woodland on an east/west axis.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission subject to a legal agreement, conditions, removal of the ecology objection and authority to finalise obligations and conditions.

“Recommendations 1.1 Grant planning permission subject to:”

“The entering into of a S106 Agreement (as per the Heads of Terms set out in paragraph 8.113) • Planning conditions outlined at the end of this report (para 8.98); • The removal of the holding objection from LCC Ecology in relation to Great Crested Newt mitigation; and • That the Assistant Director Planning and Regeneration be given powers to determine the final detail of planning condition and obligations (including trigger points and claw back periods).”

Officer report

Officers’ main assessment

The housing and affordable-home benefits were given significant weight, while countryside character and agricultural-land harm were weighed but did not outweigh the benefits.

“The scheme will provide a policy compliant level provision of affordable housing in accordance with Key Policy Paragraph 66 of the NPPF and Policy 15 of the adopted Core Strategy. It is therefore considered that this provision towards affordable housing attracts significant weight in the planning balance. 10.8.”

“Notwithstanding the above, the proposal represents new development in the open countryside. The potential allocation in the emerging Local Plan can only be attributed limited weight at this time to counter the existing policy conflict in that regard. 10.14.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor spoke about the application.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed road standards, a possible additional pedestrian crossing, affordable-housing providers and street lighting.

“Members expressed concern about the standard of the roads on the proposed development, a potential additional pedestrian crossing, registered providers for affordable housing and the need for street lighting. It was moved by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Flemming that permission be granted subject to additional conditions and notes to applicant. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was…”

Minutes