Detached five-bedroom house at Land At The, West Lawns, Southwell

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications included refusals for five houses and two houses, permission for three houses, and generally favourable pre-application advice.

“Relevant Planning History 2.1. 02/00365/FUL - Erection of 5 houses and garages – Refused 20.08.2002 2.2. 02/02155/FUL - Erection of 3 houses with garages – Permission 25.11.2002 2.3. 03/02942/FUL - Erection of two houses & associated works (Plots 3 & 4) – Refused 26.02.2004 2.4. Pre-application has been provided offering generally favourable views.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The town council, civic society, flood forum and 17 third parties raised concerns including open space, heritage, trees, wildlife, flooding, traffic and neighbouring amenity.

“Consultations and Representations Please Note: Comments below are provided in summary - for comments in full please see the online planning file. Town Council 6.1. The Town Council has raised concern for the encroachment and loss of open space, a loss of light/privacy to neighbouring occupants, significant loss of trees, habitat destruction, concern over the loss of habitat got bats, owls, and woodpeckers, and impacts to flooding.”

“Mixed comments have been received from 17 third parties that can be summarised as follows: - Loss of green space/buffer - Harm to conservation area and setting of Orchard Cottage - Planning site history for development and tree removal - Impact on trees – retention of shelter belt, and trees alongside heritage trail - Impact on traffic - Drainage connection - Loss of habitat and impact on wildlife - Setting a precedent for further development up to the Westhorpe Dumble -…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

[name withheld] spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members questioned the need for a five-bedroom house, the design, neighbour relationship and pre-application involvement, while recognising housing pressures and the orchard’s benefits.

“Members supported the call-in of the application, suggesting that there was no need for a 5 bed house in this location and raised concern that they had not been involved in pre-application discussions. Several Members stated that they were uncomfortable with the proposal but recognised the need to consider the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development whilst the Council has a shortfall of housing land supply.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The recorded vote on approval was four votes in favour and five against.

“A recorded vote was taken for approval with 4 votes For and 5 votes Against.”

“Councillor Vote A Amer For C Brooks For L Dales Against P Harris Against K Melton Against D Moore For T Smith For L Tift Against T Wildgust Against…”

Minutes

The final decision

Permission was refused contrary to the officer recommendation.

“AGREED with the Proposer Councillor P Harris and Seconder Councillor L Tift that contrary to Officer recommendation Planning Permission had been refused and all voted for the reasons given for refusal:”

Minutes