Seven single-storey homes at White Lodge, Holloway Hill, Lyne

“APPLICATION DETAILS 3.1. The application proposes the erection of 7 x dwellings with associated car parking and landscaping. All 7 dwellings are single storey. The site will be arranged with 4 x dwellings to the front of the site (2 x pairs of semi-detached) & 3 x dwellings to the rear of the site (3 x detached). Each of the semi-detached dwellings are 2 x bed and the detached dwellings are 3 x bed. 3.2.”

“DETAILS OF THE SITE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS 2.1. The application site comprises White Lodge, a 6-bedroom residential bungalow located on the north side of Holloway Hill. There is also a detached garage on the site. The application site rises by approximately 4 metres from the front to the rear. The surrounding area is predominantly residential.”

“This application has been submitted following the refusal of application RU.24/0427 which was for an identical proposal for 7 x new dwellings. That application was originally refused due to the development being inappropriate development in the Green Belt and for the failure to secure mitigation against the impacts of the development on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA). However, the application was subsequently…”

“SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the Planning Committee authorises the HoP: Grant Consent - subject to the completion of a S106 legal agreement to secure mitigation against the impacts of the development on the Thames Basin Heath Special Protoection Area and the conditions set out in section 11. To refuse planning permission at the discretion of the HoP should the S106 not progress to his satisfaction.”

“Based on this new test, the appeal Inspector considered that the development was appropriate in the Green Belt as the land is previously developed and harm to the openness of the Green Belt would only be modest. 7.6.”

“The proposed development is considered appropriate development in the Green Belt and would have an acceptable impact on the character of the area and neighbouring amenity. Subject to conditions, there would be no material highway impacts, and subject to securing the legal agreement for SAMM and SANG, no harm to ecology. It is also considered that a suitable drainage strategy for the site can be secured via condition. 10.2.”

“CONSULTATIONS CARRIED OUT Consultee Comments County Highway Authority No objections subject to conditions securing: • A pedestrian crossing facility • A modified access with a means of preventing water from entering the highway and sufficient visibility splays. • Space for vehicles to be parked and to turn on site. • Cycle storage, and • Electric vehicle charging.”

“RBC Drainage Objects as the applicant has not provided accompanying hydraulic calculations with the proposed drainage strategy, however should the application be approved, recommends a condition which secures details of the final design of a surface water drainage scheme.”

“Representations and comments from interested parties: 6.1. 14 neighbouring properties were consulted in addition to being advertised on the Council’s website. 2 letters of representation have been received from individual addresses which can be summarised as follows: • Overdevelopment of the site • Inappropriate in the Green Belt • Visual harm to neighbouring properties • Loss of trees and hedgerows • Insufficient space for bin lorries to manoeuvre • Noise and pollution for…”

“Members noted the previous appeal decision, and welcomed the provision of 6 (net) additional dwellings, commenting that single storey dwellings were welcomed in the location and provided a valuable mix.”

“Officers confirmed that the width of the road appeared to provide suitable access for emergency vehicles with reference to the site plan(s).”

“The Committee was content that the application be referred back to the Head of Planning to approve, subject to the completion of a S106 agreement which secured the SPA mitigation and subject to the conditions as set out in the Officer’s report and accompanying addendum.”