430 homes and sports facilities at Land At Fernwood South, Claypole Lane, Fernwood

What was proposed

The application sought approval for 430 homes with public open space, sports pitches, changing facilities, allotments, drainage and related infrastructure.

“Report Summary Application No. 24/01672/RMAM Proposal Reserved matters application relating to appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for 430 dwellings with associated wider infrastructure including SUDs, public open space (inc.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site comprises agricultural fields, highways and sports land, with parts in Flood Zone 3a and constraints including a gas pipeline and pylons.

“The Site 1.1 The parcel(s) of land to which this phase relates comprise two distinct elements both currently forming agricultural fields. The first is broadly rectangular in shape and occupies approximately 13 hectares in extent. This part of the parcel is boarded by Shire Lane to the south; residential development to the north and another agricultural field adjacent to the B6326 to the west. Land to the east forms part of the wider…”

Officer report

Planning history

Outline permission was granted in February 2024 for 1,800 homes and associated facilities, making this the first reserved matters phase.

“Outline planning permission (with access) was granted in February 2024 for 1800 dwellings and associated facilities (including a local centre and sporting facilities) (reference 16/00506/OUTM). This is the first reserved matters application to come forwards following the approval. 2.2.”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended approval because the revised scheme improved parking, connectivity and amenity, while consultees’ concerns had been addressed.

“Conclusion 9.1. The principle of development for 1800 homes and the delivery of an appropriate quantum of associated infrastructure to serve the development has already been secured at outline stage. This is the first reserved matters phase to come forwards but the phased delivery of the allocation was always envisaged. The inclusion of sporting facilities through this early phase is welcomed. 9.2.”

“The revised scheme demonstrates adequate distances between dwellings to safeguard amenity and other than the flats, each plot would be afforded an area of private amenity space. The applicant has sought to address concerns from statutory consultees (namely NCC Highways and Sport England) during the application and these are now satisfied and there is no reason why the application should not be granted. Conditions…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor and the local ward member spoke against the application, while the applicant spoke in support.

What members debated

Members debated flood risk, sports facilities, possible pavilion stilts, cycleways, housing mix, missing bungalows and the quality of house designs.

“Members considered the presentation from the Business Manager – Planning Development, which included photographs and plans of the proposed development. The context of the section 106 agreed at outline was discussed in detail, including the basis for the affordable housing contribution.”

“Members considered the application and some were concerned regarding the sports fields, pavilion and allotments being in flood zone 3A, whilst other Members considered that acceptable as the land could not be used for housing. It was suggested that the pavilion could be built on stilts to prevent damage in the event of flooding. The inclusion of cycle ways was also considered important.”

Minutes

The vote

The application received five votes for, five against and one abstention, with the chair using a casting vote in support.

“AGREED (with 5 votes For, 5 votes Against and 1 Abstention, the Chair used his casting vote in support of the application) that Planning Permission be approved subject to the conditions contained in the report.”

Minutes