Two self-build homes at Station House, Newnham Bridge, Tenbury Wells

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for two self-build dwellings, with access considered and all other details reserved for later approval.

“The site constitutes an area immediately to the west of the centrally placed Station House and follows on from a previous application which was allowed at appeal for 3 self-build dwellings to the land on its eastern side.”

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the development of 2(no) self-build dwellings on land associated with and to the west side of Station House. The application is in outline with all matters reserved except for access.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers gave weight to housing and self-build benefits and judged that the adverse impacts would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh them.

“In terms of benefits, the proposal would contribute towards the supply of housing, in an area with an ongoing under supply. There would be some social and economic benefits arising from the construction period and future spend of occupants giving support to local services and facilities. However, construction benefits would be short term and the proposal would add only three houses to overall local supply, so these benefits are attributed only limited weight.”

“The proposal would also make a contribution to the supply of self-build plots. The SWDP does not treat self-build housing as an exception for the purposes of controlling development in the countryside. However, the Framework sets out under Paragraph 62 that the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community should be assessed and reflected in planning policies. This includes those wishing to commission or build their own homes.”

Officer report

What residents objected to

Four representations opposed the application, raising concerns about privacy, noise, heritage, drainage, flooding, ecology, highways, information and land stability.

“Impact on neighbour privacy • Noise disturbance due to proximity to neighbours • Impact on heritage assets • Suitability of proposed drainage solutions/flood risk • Ecological impacts • Lack of information on the application submission • Self-build could extend the time taken to complete the development as a whole • Highways safety concerns and suitability of access • Plans do not take account of the recent development to Station House • Land stability/impact on the…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The parish council representative, an objector, the ward member and five councillors addressed the committee; neither the applicant nor agent spoke.

The committee debate

A motion to refuse contrary to the officer recommendation was proposed but received no second, while approval was proposed and seconded.

“A motion to refuse planning permission, contrary to officer recommendation, was proposed by Councillor D Godwin.”

“A motion to APPROVE planning permission, in line with officer recommendation, was proposed by Councillor D Clarke, seconded by Councillor P Whatley and…”

Minutes