Two detached dwellings at North Lodge, Longcliff Hill, Old Dalby

The site and surroundings

The site was on the northern edge of Old Dalby, accessed from Longcliff Hill, and surrounded by new housing on all sides.

“Main Report 2 The Site 2.1 The application relates to an existing farmhouse and associated garden land that is located on the northern edge of the village of Old Dalby. The site was previously used in association with North Lodge Farm located immediately to the north which has now been redeveloped to provide 6 dwellings 2.2 The site is accessed from Longcliff Hill via the original entrance to North Lodge Farm.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer summarised the application, and an objector and the agent addressed the committee before answering questions.

Members’ concerns

Members debated over-intensification, the additional dwelling outside the development area, the larger replacement farmhouse and the second plot’s policy compliance.

“During the debate, the following points were made:”

“The application represented an over intensification of the site and would be to the detriment of the neighbours. It was too close. Design D1 not meeting that principle. Plot 2 was close to neighbouring properties that were much smaller. • There was no issue with the redevelopment of the farmhouse but there was discussion as to whether the Neighbourhood Plan should allow a new house outside the development area.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused the application because the additional dwelling was unjustified countryside development and the dwellings were considered excessive, dominant and harmful to neighbours’ amenity.

“The proposed development, in particular the additional dwelling, by virtue of its siting on an unallocated site outside the defined Limits to Development of Old Dalby, represents unjustified new residential development in the countryside.”

“The proposed dwellings, by reason of their height, scale, design and siting, would appear overly dominant and out of keeping with the character of the area. In particular, the proximity of Plot 2 to neighbouring properties would result in an overbearing impact, loss of outlook and potential overshadowing, to the detriment of residential amenity.”

Minutes