Up to 18 dwellings at Land At (Os 7758 5033), Leigh Sinton

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to 18 homes, including affordable and market housing, with access considered and other details reserved.

“The proposal seeks outline planning permission for a: ‘rural exception site of up to 18 dwellings (10 affordable and 8 market) and associated landscaping and infrastructure.’ The outline application considers the principle of development and the detail of Access with all other matters (Scale, Layout, Appearance and Landscaping) being reserved.”

“The application is supported by the following documents: • Ecological Impact Assessment • Planning Statement including Housing and Energy Statements, • Heritage Statement: Archaeological Desk Based Assessment • Independent Assessment of Viability Report Summary • Water Management Statement • Transport Statement • Flood Risk Assessment • Preliminary Levels & Drainage Concept • Design & Access Statement • Landscape and Visual Assessment • Tree Survey Report and Tree…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The agricultural site covers 0.99 hectares, lies beside housing and countryside, and is wholly within the designated Significant Gap.

“The application site extends to 0.99 hectares and is located to the south-east of the A4103, approximately 200m distant from the development boundary shown in the SWDP although the Site lays adjacent to the Leigh and Bransford Neighbourhood Plan’s development boundary which would supersede that shown in the SWDP. The site is agricultural land currently used to grow Christmas trees.”

“The site also lays wholly within a designated Significant Gap (Part D of SWDP2) between Leigh Sinton and Malvern.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals for housing on or near the site were refused or dismissed on appeal, while another application was withdrawn.

“15/00540/OUT Outline application, with all matters except access reserved, for the erection of 32 dwellings. Land to south-west of Elmhurst Farm, Hereford Road, Leigh Sinton, REF 07 Jul 2015. Appeal DISMISSED 30 October 2015 (APP/J1860/W/15/3129997)”

“21/01153/FUL 24 affordable entry level starter homes (13 affordable rent units & 11 shared ownership) & associated landscaping & infrastructure. Land At (Os7758 5033), Leigh Sinton. REF 22 Mar 2022. APPEAL DISMISSED 22 May 2023.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected, while highways, water, education and other consultees raised no objections or supported approval subject to conditions and contributions.

“Leigh Parish Council: Objects and recommends refusal:”

“No objections, subject to a condition to secure drainage plans for the disposal of foul and surface water flows.”

Officer report

Views from residents

Nineteen third-party responses were received: twelve objections cited gaps, traffic, transport, safety and infrastructure, while seven supported local affordable homes.

“Third Party Comments: Following Neighbour Notifications there have been 19 responses received of which 12 are objections and 7 are in support.”

“Traffic and Safety Concerns: • There is no direct public transport service to Malvern. • Existing transport to Worcester or Ledbury is limited, making it challenging for residents to commute or access essential services. • The bus system is very poor and Leigh sinton is not easily accessible to Malvern…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The case officer presented the application; an objector, the applicant’s agent and a ward member addressed the committee, followed by five committee members.

The committee vote

A motion to approve the officer recommendation was proposed and seconded, passing with ten votes in favour and two against.

“A motion to APPROVE the officer recommendation was proposed by Councillor D Clarke, and seconded by Councillor B Jones-Williams and…”

Minutes