75-home outline scheme at Land North Of Hunts Lane, Desford

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 75 dwellings, with access approved and other matters reserved.

“Proposal: Outline application for the construction of up to 75 dwellings (all matters reserved except access)”

“This planning application seeks outline planning permission for the construction of up to 75 dwellings at land north of Hunts Lane, Desford, including landscaping, open space, drainage infrastructure, and associated works. Only Access is sought for approval within this outline application, and all other matters are reserved.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was a 4.9-hectare arable field outside Desford’s settlement boundary, beside countryside, footpaths, a cemetery and existing housing.

“The 4.9ha application site is to the northwest of, and immediately adjacent to identified settlement boundaries of, Desford in the designated open countryside within the Council’s Newbold and Desford Rolling Farmland Landscape Character Area. The site is located to the north of Hunts Lane (‘B582’)’s confluence with Newbold Road and Lockeymead Drive, which are all subject to a 30mph speed limit within the vicinity of the site.”

“To the east and south of the site is the wider residential built form of Desford, including an area of land that has planning permission (23/00061/OUT) via an allowed appeal decision for the provision of up to 100 dwellings to the southwest of the site. To the west of the site is Desford Cemetery, which is designated as an Open Space, Sports, and Recreation Facility.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history on the application site.

“There is no relevant planning history within this application site that is applicable to the current development proposals.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to ecology confirmation, planning conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

“The entering into of a Section 106 Agreement relating to affordable housing, infrastructure, highways, open space provision and management, amongst others as detailed within this Report; and • That the Assistant Director of Planning and Regeneration be given powers to determine the final detail of planning conditions and obligations (including trigger points and claw back periods).”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors, the agent, a Ward Councillor and a Parish Councillor spoke about the application.

What members debated

Members considered that countryside and village character harm outweighed the benefits and that the development was outside the settlement boundary.

“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…”

“-2 - of the settlement boundary, and would have a detrimental impact on the character of and access to the designated open countryside. As a result, the application was considered by the Committee to contravene a number of relevant planning policies.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee unanimously refused permission because of permanent countryside harm and missing contributions for infrastructure and services.

“(i) The development would result in the unrestricted encroachment of urbanising built form into the designated open countryside. By virtue of its location and the size of the proposal, the scheme would cause significant and permanent harm to the rural character of the site and the surrounding area, the intrinsic character and beauty of the designated countryside, and the setting of Desford, to which the site positively contributes to.”

“(ii) The Applicant has not entered into a Section 106 Agreement that secures the provision of planning obligations for the delivery of affordable housing and public open space, and planning contributions towards highways, health, education, waste services and libraries.”

Minutes