140 homes with landscaping at Land Between Royston Road And Cambridge Road, Barkway

What was proposed

The application sought reserved matters approval for 140 homes, with landscaping, highways, drainage, public open space and supporting infrastructure.

“Approval of reserved matters (access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for the erection of 140 residential dwellings with associated landscaping, highways, drainage, public open space and ancillary infrastructure pursuant to outline planning permission reference 25/02234/S73 granted 03.12.2025”

Officer report

The site and design

The 7.62-hectare arable site lies between two roads, includes two bridleways and is allocated for housing.

“The application site is 7.62 ha in size and is arable land situated between Royston Road and Cambridge Road with an existing bridleway (017) running north/south through the site. Bridleway 018 runs east/west along the north site boundary with…”

“Newsells Estate lying to the north and the Cokenach Estate off to the north east. The site is allocated for housing under Local Plan Policy SP8 – Local Housing Allocation BK3.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Outline permission for up to 140 homes and a shop was granted in 2023, with later applications varying conditions and addressing reserved details.

“25/02586/DOC - Details reserved by Condition 9 (Sewage Treatment Upgrades) of outline planning permission reference 18/01502/OP granted on 25.07.2023 – Pending consideration at the time of writing.”

“25/00103/DOC - Details reserved by condition 24 (Phasing Plan) of outline permission reference 18/01502/OP granted 25.07.2023 – Approved on 10/03/2025.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the scheme’s layout, landscaping, appearance and scale acceptable, and recommended approval subject to conditions.

“This application for reserved matters following from the approval of 25/02234/S73. The reserved matters seeking approval include details of layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping.”

“Subject to the inclusion of appropriately worded conditions, it is considered that the proposed development would be of a suitable scale commensurate to the site location to the northern edge of Barkway. It is also considered that the development would have an acceptable and functional layout for future residents and visitors to the site, would be of an appearance considerate to the site and its setting, and…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Several consultees had no objection, while the parish council and housing officer objected and residents raised concerns about design, parking, planting, infrastructure and the shop.

“- Issues with the accuracy of the northeastern corner of the site and the location of Bridleway 018. - Bridleway 017 should be surfaced to the correct specifications set out in the British Horse Society’s Advice Note Surfaces document. - The site layout does not reflect the existing layout of the village and differs from the approved masterplan. - Insufficient boundary planting along the northern boundary which adjoins Newsells Stud. - No inclusion of the shop.”

“Braughing Parish Council – No objection. Concerns raised. Comments available in full on the NHC website.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor and another public objector spoke against the application, while the applicant spoke in support.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission following a vote, with the report’s conditions amended for ecological enhancements and supplemented by a solar-panel condition.

“Having been proposed and seconded and, following a vote, it was:”

“(2) The conditions as set out in the report, with the following amendment to Condition 6 and additional Condition 9:”

Minutes