1 to 2 dwellings at Land To The Rear Of 59 Beacon Hill Road, Newark-on-Trent

What was proposed

Permission in principle was sought for between one and two dwellings, with detailed design to be considered later.

“The application seeks Permission in Principle (the first of a 2-stage process) for residential development of between 1 and 2 dwellings. No specific details are required at this stage. Permission in Principle requires only the location, the land use, and the amount of development to be assessed. If residential development (as is the case in this application), the description must specify the minimum and maximum number of dwellings proposed.”

“The proposed dwellings would create a new residential access drive off Beacon Hill Road. As the proposal is for permission in principle, no elevational details or plans have been submitted at this stage – details would be considered at the Technical Details Consent stage if permission in principle is approved.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a rectangular residential-area parcel beside Beacon Hill Road, bordered by homes, hedgerows, shrubbery and mature trees.

“This application is being referred to the Planning Committee for determination as the application has been called in by Cllr David Moore for the following reasons, back land development, street scene / character, over intensive. The Site 1.1 The application site relates a rectangular parcel of land approximately 0.10 hectares in area within the defined Newark Urban Area.”

“The rear of the site is bounded by existing overgrown hedgerows/shrubbery to the boundaries with some domestic hedgerow trees within, and to the rear (north) boundary by mature trees.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was suitable for residential development and two dwellings were considered an acceptable amount.

“Planning Committee is the appropriate body to consider the content of this report. A Legal Advisor will be present at the meeting to assist on any legal points which may arise during consideration of the application. Conclusion 9.1. The purpose of this application is to assess the acceptability of the proposal on the application site, in relation to location, land use, and amount of development, in principle only.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways considered access achievable subject to detailed requirements, four objections raised concerns, and no comments were received from Newark Town Council.

“Consultations and Representations 6.1. Comments below are provided in summary - for comments in full please see the online planning file. Statutory Consultations 6.2. NCC Highways – Access for two additional dwellings at this location would appear achievable. Detailed matters will need to be provided at technical details stage…”

“Town/Parish Council 6.3. Newark Town Council – No Comments Received. Representations/Non-Statutory Consultation 6.4. Environmental Health Contaminated Land – The site of this application lies within the zone of influence (250m) of the former Beacon Hill Landfill Site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident and Newark Town Council spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support.

The vote

The vote to approve was lost, with twelve votes against and one abstention.

“A vote was taken for approval and lost with 12 votes Against and 1 Abstention.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused permission against the officer recommendation because of backland development, conflict with design policy, over-intensification and the area’s character.

“AGREED Moved Councillor A Freeman and Seconded Councillor D Moore (with 12 votes For and 1 Abstention) that contrary to Officer recommendation Planning Permission be refused for the following reasons: (i) Backland development; (ii) Incongrous form in conflict with DM5; (iii) Over intensification; and (iv) Out of Character for the area.”

“The wording for refusal to be delegated to the Business Manager – Planning Development, in consultation with the Planning Committee Chair and Vice-Chair.”

Minutes