Two new dwellings at Land North Of Captains Wood Road, Great Totham

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for two dwellings, with access decided now and all other matters reserved.

“The application seeks outline planning permission for the development of 2 dwellings with all matters reserved except access.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is open grassland outside Great Totham’s settlement boundary, beside a rural road with no linking footway and a 60mph speed limit.

“The application site is located on the northern side of Captains Wood Road. The site measures 0.14 hectares in area and is approximately 40 metres outside of the settlement boundary for Great Totham and is in open countryside. There is no footway linking the site to the settlement and the speed limit at this section of the highway is 60mph.”

“Captains Wood Road is characterised largely by open expanses of agricultural fields. Residential development is predominantly located towards the eastern end of the road within the defined settlement boundary. The site is neighboured on all sides by open countryside, and the character at the site is rural.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier outline application for access enlargement and two detached bungalows was refused.

“Application Ref Description Decision 23/00497/OUT Outline planning application with some matters reserved for the enlargement of existing access and erection of 2 No detached bungalows Refused…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was considered sustainable and the development would not harm character, amenity, highways, ecology or biodiversity subject to conditions.

“The indicative design of the proposed development (to be confirmed at reserved matters stage) are considered acceptable and would comprise a sensitive development that is in keeping with the local area both in terms of scale and architectural design. It is considered that the dwellings would not result in any harm in terms of residential amenity, highways safety, or ecology and biodiversity – subject to planning conditions.”

“It is considered that the proposed development accords with all other relevant policies contained within the approved Maldon District Local Development Plan (LDP) and the NPPF and is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

The site was considered sustainable because village services, a pavement and regular bus services were reasonably accessible, while two homes would bring limited benefits.

“Pavement access from the site into the village is achieved via a pavement along the southern side of Captains Wood Road - whilst the initial section of the route is not lit, the pavement is relatively wide and well maintained. The availability of this walking route, and the associated distances to the services available within the village itself, serve to reduce reliance on the private car for day-to-day needs.”

“Having regard to the policies in the Framework which direct development to sustainable locations, despite its separation from the defined boundary, the site is well related to the village of Great Totham which is defined by the LP as a Larger Village and which includes a number of services and facilities.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, environmental health and ecology raised no objections subject to conditions, while the parish council objected on boundary, traffic and pedestrian safety grounds.

“Internal Consultee Comment Officer Response Environmental Health No objection subject to conditions relating to surface water and foul drainage, and informatives Noted - discussed at section 5.8 above Ecology No objection subject to conditions requiring submission of of a mobile species scheme and Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy, Noted - discussed at section 5.9 above…”

Officer report

Public comments

One email supported the proposed improved visibility splays.

“The application was advertised by way of a site notice posted on the 9 May 2025 (with expiry date for comments set at 16 June 2025). The notice was affixed at eye level to a telegraph pole immediately adjoining the site.”

“One email of support has been received in relation to the proposals, specifically offering support for the improved visibility splays proposed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The officer presented the report, and Councillor R H Siddall proposed approval, which was seconded.

The vote

The proposal to approve the application passed when put to a vote.

“Following this Councilllor R H Siddall proposed that this application be approved. This was duly seconded.”

“Upon a vote being taken this proposal passed.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions covering reserved matters, landscaping, trees, access, travel, drainage, ecology and construction.

“If not first approved as part of any application for approval of reserved matters pursuant to condition 1 of this permission no works above ground level shall take place until written details of the proposed materials to be used in the development hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall be carried out using the materials and details as approved. .”

“If not first approved as part of any application for approval of reserved matters pursuant to condition 1 of this permission no development shall commence until satisfactory information has been submitted and approved in writing by the local planning authority in accordance with the requirements of BS5837:2012 in relation to tree retention and protection as follows: • Tree Protection Plan • Arboricultural Impact Assessment • Arboricultural Method Statement (including…”

Minutes