Landscaping for housing development at Martley Road, Lower Broadheath

What was proposed

The application sought approval for landscaping covering public open space, structural landscaping and a replacement hedgerow between development phases.

“This is a Reserved Matters application (relating to details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for the first phase of development on land to the west of Worcester at Martley Road, Lower Broadheath. The site forms part of a 64 ha site which is allocated for development under Policy SWDP45/2. Outline planning permission was granted in April 2020 (application reference 16/01168/OUT) for:-”

“This application is for Reserved Matters relating landscaping proposals for the following two aspects: Public open space and structural landscaping east of Phase 2; and 2. Replacement hedgerow between Phase 1A and Phase 1B.”

Officer report

The site

The site was cultivated agricultural land south of Martley Road, on the eastern side of the wider allocation, beside Temple Laughern Farm and the Laughern Brook.

“The site that is the subject of this application lies to the south of Martley Road on the eastern side of the allocation. The site is bordered to the west by the access to Temple Laughern Farm and the established hedgerow that runs along this. To the east will be a further phase of the development as approved under the outline permission and beyond this the land falls away to the Laughern Brook. The land was cultivated agricultural land.”

“Beyond the site to the north are a small number of residential properties on the opposite side of the Martley Road. The main urban area of Worcester lies further to the east. Temple Laughern Farm lies to the south west.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Outline permission was granted in April 2020 for up to 1,400 homes and associated access, open space, habitat, drainage and walking and cycling infrastructure.

“- up to 1,400 new homes; - formation of new means of access onto Martley Road and Oldbury Road; - the laying out of areas of formal and informal open space; - habitat creation; - drainage infrastructure; - pedestrian and cycle links including diversion of public rights of way.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, concluding that the amended landscaping was acceptable and accorded with adopted policies and national guidance.

“The Tree and Landscape Officer has confirmed that the amendments adequately address the concerns raised and the proposed landscaping scheme would be acceptable having regard to the above mentioned local and national planning policies.”

“The principle of the development has been established by the granting of outline consent. The proposed landscaping is considered to be acceptable and no adverse impacts have been identified with regard to landscape character, visual amenities, neighbour amenities or highway safety. The development accords with the Policies of the adopted Development Plan and with the guidance in the NPPF.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Ten objections raised concerns about the bridleway, hedgerow loss, inadequate planting, neighbour screening, biodiversity, noise and air pollution.

“The material planning objections raised have been summarised by the case officer to include:”

“- Bridleway impacted by the development - Loss of native hedgerow unacceptable - New planting unsubstantial and will fail to establish successfully - Need for hedgerow to protect neighbour amenity - Impact on biodiversity - Neighbours adversely impact by noise and air pollution as a result of the development…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support, the ward member addressed the committee, and three councillors spoke to the item.

The vote

Councillors proposed and seconded approval in line with the officer recommendation, then voted unanimously in favour.

“A motion to APPROVE planning permission, in line with officer recommendation, was proposed by Councillor D Walton, seconded by Councillor L Bruton and unanimously…”

Minutes