67-home outline scheme at Land Opposite Industrial Estate, Hill Lane, Markfield

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to 67 dwellings, with access for approval and all other matters reserved.

“Proposal: Outline planning permission for the erection of up to 67 dwellings (All matters reserved except for access)”

“This planning application seeks outline planning permission for the provision of up to 67 dwellings on Land Opposite Industrial Estate, Hill Lane, Markfield. Only access is sought for approval within this outline application, and all other matters are reserved.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The approximately three-hectare site lies outside Markfield’s settlement boundary, beside housing, commercial buildings, a public footpath and the National and Charnwood Forest.

“The application site is situated to the east of Hill Lane, Markfield outside the defined settlement boundary of Markfield. The application site comprises of approximately 3 hectares, on the western side of Markfield. There is residential development to the north and east of the site. To the west of the site on the opposite side of the road are commercial buildings.”

“The application site is situated within the National and Charnwood Forest. It is approximately 80 metres from the conservation area to the east. The neighbourhood centre of Markfield is situated approximately 300 metres southeast, which provides a medical centre, a post office, Co-op, library and hairdressers. Mercenfeld Primary school is also located approximately 700 metres south-east of the application site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a legal agreement, finding that the housing benefits outweighed the identified landscape and green-infrastructure harm.

“Overall, it is considered that, on balance, the level of moderate harm of the development on the character of the site and the surrounding area and the subsequent loss of green infrastructure land would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme in these site-specific circumstances. In accordance with Paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF, it is…”

“Taking national and local planning policies into account, and regarding all relevant material considerations, it is recommended that planning permission to be granted, subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions and obligations.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most technical consultees raised no objections subject to conditions or contributions, while archaeology requested trial trenching and the Parish Council objected.

“HBBC Affordable Housing (No objections subject to conditions)”

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

Officer report

What residents said

Twenty-six objections from 20 addresses raised concerns about countryside character, wildlife, infrastructure, traffic, flooding, living conditions and site information.

“In total, 26 objections have been received from 20 separate addresses. The reasons for the objections to the development are summarised below:”

“The site has a history of flooding and drainage will be difficult. • Site is on elevated land and increased hard surfacing will exacerbate runoff • Documents provided do not demonstrate that SuDS will prevent flooding…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector, the agent, a Ward Councillor and a Parish Councillor spoke about the application.

What members debated

Some members considered that archaeological trial trenching should be completed before the planning decision.

“Notwithstanding the officer’s recommendation that permission be granted, some members felt that the applicant should commission a phase of pre-determination trial trenching to adequately assess the archaeological potential of the development area, in order to gain an understanding of the archaeological impacts of the scheme and assist the planning authority in making an informed planning decision.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors voted for the motion to defer the application, and the motion was carried.

“It was moved by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Lynch that the application be deferred.”

“A vote was taken on the motion to defer, which was CARRIED and therefore:”

Minutes