Five rural homes at Land At Manor Farm, Sand Lane, Spalford, Newark-on-Trent

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing agricultural buildings and erecting five three- and four-bedroom homes, detached garages, surfacing and boundary treatments.

“- Insufficient information to enable the authority to assess transport and highways impacts. 2.3. 23/00706/CPRIOR - Application to determine if prior approval is required for proposed change of use of agricultural buildings to 5 No. dwellinghouses and for building operations reasonably necessary for the conversions as per Schedule 2 Part 3 Class Q. Application Refused 06.06.2023.”

Officer report

The site

The site is open countryside north of Sand Lane, with existing agricultural buildings, nearby homes, a farmhouse, a public right of way and flood zones.

“Barn 2 1.6 Barn 3 1.7 There is an existing farmhouse on site to the south of the site close to the highway, which appears to be unoccupied. A further residential dwelling, Lancaster House, is located to the east of the site. Various other more traditional agricultural buildings and a steel framed shed are located to the south of the central courtyard. Recently, these buildings (barns) have been granted planning permission for conversion to two dwellings.”

Officer report

Other public views

No comments were received from third parties or local residents.

“NSDC Ecology – Proposed on-site BNG enhancement to be monitored through a proportionate monitoring fee which will be secured by a Unilateral Undertaking (UU). Concerning impact on bats, a preliminary roost assessment was provided and the Precautionary Working Method Statement put forward will be acceptable without specific justification given it is site specific, and the measures can be conditioned.”

“No comments have been received from any third party/local resident. Appraisal 7.1. The key issues are: • Principle of development • Impact on the Open Countryside and Character of the Area (including setting of nearby NDHA) • Impact on Amenity • Impact on the Highway • Impact on Ecology and Trees • Impact on Flood Risk…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The chair of Spalford Parish Meeting spoke against the application, and members received the officer presentation with photographs and plans.

What members debated

Members discussed affordable housing, whether new homes would improve the site, whether the scheme was out of character, and the Class Q fallback.

“Members considered the application, and the Ward Member commented that she would have preferred the original scheme, which had more affordable homes, as they would be more in keeping with the site. Some Members felt that the new builds would be a better solution than barn conversions, providing better insulated and quality houses and would improve what was currently in situ. Other Members considered the proposal as a housing development and out of character.”

Minutes

The vote

Members approved the application by seven votes to three, subject to the conditions in the report.

“AGREED (with 7 votes For and 3 votes Against) that Planning Permission be approved subject to the conditions contained within the report.”

Minutes