One self-build dwelling at 223A Main Street, Thornton, Coalville

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought to demolish existing buildings and structures and build one self-build dwelling, with access and layout for approval.

“Proposal: Outline planning permission for the demolition of all existing buildings and structures and erection of a self-build dwelling (All matters reserved except access and layout)”

“This application seeks outline planning permission for the provision of one self-build dwelling at land north of Main Street and to the rear of number 223A. Only access…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The approximately two-hectare site contains stables, a manege, kennels, storage and hardstanding, outside Thornton’s settlement boundary near open countryside and the reservoir.

“The site measures approximately 2 hectares and consists of stables, manege, dog kennels, storage and hardstanding. It lies 50m to the northeast of the settlement boundary of Thornton and is accessed via a 120m long shared drive with 223A, 225 and 227 Main Street.”

“The site is bound by open countryside and Thornton Reservoir approximately 80m to the north, with densely wooded areas to the east, west, and south, with the rear gardens of 225 and 227 Main Street beyond.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered a stable block in 1991 and an all-weather riding surface in 1998.

“Relevant planning history • 91/0656/4 – Erection of stable block – Permission 28.08.1991”

“98/00261/FUL – Formation of all-weather riding surface – Permission 18.05.1998”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal would cause significant and permanent environmental and visual harm to the countryside, despite housing benefits.

“There are social benefits from the scheme such as providing housing for a range of occupants including families, and economic benefits associated with the construction of the dwelling and the future occupant’s opportunity to act as new customers and employees for local businesses and services. Notwithstanding this, as the application proposal is for the provision of a single dwelling, these social and economic benefits are afforded limited weight.”

“The development represents unjustified residential development outside the existing built form into the open countryside. This results in an irreversible and detrimental urbanising effect on the character of the countryside. The provision of one self-build dwelling, with the associated economic and social benefits, would not outweigh the harm, which is significant and demonstrable in this case.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Drainage, highways, ecology, pollution, waste and the National Forest Company raised no objections, while the parish council objected.

“HBBC Drainage • LCC Highways • LCC Ecology • HBBC Pollution • HBBC Waste • National Forest Company…”

“Objection received from Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council for the following reasons:”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Six public representations supported the proposal, while three objected over countryside development, visual harm, the access and its position beyond the building line.

“Three representations from members of the public object to the proposal for the following reasons:”

“Outside settlement boundary and would set an unwelcomed precedence. • Inappropriate development in the countryside. • Appropriate use of previously developed land for residential use, rather than further development of a greenfield site. • Beyond established building line. • Adverse impact on visual amenity and natural beauty of the area and Thornton reservoir. • Unduly prominent from a Public Right of Way around reservoir.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent, a ward councillor and a parish council representative spoke on the item.

The committee vote

Councillor Cook moved refusal and Councillor Harris seconded it.

“It was moved by Councillor Cook, seconded by Councillor Harris and…”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was refused for the reasons outlined in the officer’s report.

“RESOLVED – permission be refused for the reasons outlined in the officer’s report.”

Minutes