50 affordable homes at Field Reference Number, Edwinstowe

What was proposed

Approval was sought for access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping for 50 homes, including a mix of affordable rented and shared ownership properties.

“This application seeks approval for the reserved matters of access, layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping for the erection of 50 dwellings, pursuant to the outline consent 21/02094/OUTM. The applicant, Morro Partnerships (a Homes England preferred partner), proposes to deliver a 100% affordable housing scheme. The outline only proposed 30% (making it policy compliant) which was secured via a Section 106 agreement.”

“The principle of a point of access from Mansfield Road was considered as part of the outline application (ref 21/02094/OUTM), but the detail of the access and position was reserved. Note that a pedestrian link to the edge of the site (via Thoresby Drive) is provided as per the plans and this is via a 2m wide footpath.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a 2.39-hectare agricultural field on Edwinstowe’s western edge, beside housing and Mansfield Road, with hedgerows, landscape constraints and low flood risk.

“The site is located on the western edge of Edwinstowe, adjacent to the existing settlement edge and to the north of the A6075, Mansfield Road. The site comprises a parcel of agricultural land c2.39 hectares in area, currently in arable use that has been partially allocated in the Development Plan for housing under policy Ed/Ho/2. The site is defined by agricultural hedgerows of varying maturity to the east, south and west whilst the northern boundary appears to be open.”

“The nearest public right of way is over 370m to the west from accessed off the A6075 in a northerly direction. The designated Conservation Area of Edwinstowe is over 600m to the east of the site. The site lies within the influence zone of a site of special scientific interest and within the 5km buffer zone of a RSBP important bird area boundary for nightjar and woodlark. The site is within Flood Zone 1 according to Environment Agency maps.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

Outline permission for up to 50 homes was granted in 2022, with reserved matters, drainage, ecology, highway and infrastructure requirements secured through conditions and legal agreements.

“21/02094/OUTM - Outline planning permission for up to 50 dwellings was granted by committee on 22nd July 2022. All matters were reserved. The permission is subject to a Section 106 legal agreement securing developer contributions. The conditions attached to this permission include: - Cond 1: Time limit to submit reserved matters (3 years). This reserved matters application complies with the timeframe.”

“OFFICIAL - Cond 9: Archaeology Mitigation Strategy. To be submitted via a future discharge of condition application. - Cond 10: Archaeological WSI. Compliance with the agreement in condition 9. - Cond 11: Archaeology report. To be complied with. - Cond 12: Reserved matters to be accompanied by noise assessment. This has been submitted with the reserved matters. - Cond 13: Development to accord with Habitats and Protected Species Report. For compliance.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was allocated and had outline permission, while the detailed scheme was considered well designed, sustainable and acceptable overall.

“Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires applications to be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The principle of residential development for up to 50 dwellings on this allocated housing site (Policy ED/Ho/2) has been established through the granting of outline planning permission 21/02094/OUTM.”

“Other concerns relating to amenity, traffic, and ecology have been addressed within the assessment of this detailed scheme. Following extensive negotiation, the Highway Authority has withdrawn its initial objection and, subject to a condition to manage on-street parking, now considers the scheme acceptable in terms of highway safety.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support, while Councillor Paul Peacock spoke against the application; Councillor Celia Brooks declared an interest as an adjacent estate resident.

What members discussed

Members discussed highway concerns, the Ollerton roundabout, cumulative development, the allocated site and outline permission, the housing mix, bungalows, parking and renewable features.

“Members considered the presentation from the Senior Planning Officer, which included photographs and plans of the proposed development.”

“Members recognised the concerns from local residents regarding highways (Ollerton roundabout) and the impact of significant new development at Thoresby Vale. Members discussed the challenges of dealing with a site that has already been allocated for development and benefits from outline consent. Members recognised the positives of the scheme in terms of a good mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed properties.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members unanimously agreed to approve planning permission subject to the conditions in the report.

“AGREED (unanimously) that Planning Permission be approved subject to the conditions contained within the report.”

Minutes