92 homes at Land North Of Braunston Road, Oakham

Site and planning history

The 7.99-hectare greenfield site is agricultural land on Oakham’s western edge, with outline permission granted at appeal and drainage permission later approved.

“Site & Surroundings 1. The application site comprises approximately 7.99 hectares of greenfield land located on the western edge of Oakham, directly abutting the existing planned limits of development. The land is currently in agricultural use and is enclosed by hedgerows and trees, with its topography rising from around 122m AOD in the north-east to 145m AOD on the western boundary, before falling to approximately 126m AOD towards the south-east.”

“The site fronts Braunston Road to the south, where vehicular access has already been approved under the outline permission (2021/1124/MAO). To the north and west, the site adjoins further agricultural land, while to the south across the road is the near completed separate development of 62 dwellings (Bellway Homes) following reserved matters approval in 2022.”

Officer report

Why approval was advised

Approval was advised because the scheme provides affordable homes, public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage and an acceptable layout consistent with planning policies.

“The scheme delivers a mix of market and affordable homes (30% provision), significant public open space (circa 4.45ha), and a comprehensive landscaping strategy including reinstatement of an historic hedgerow. The design respects the 135m contour of the site, integrates sustainable drainage features, and provides a clear street hierarchy with adequate parking.”

“Technical consultees confirm that drainage concerns raised at reserved matters stage have been resolved through the discharge of Condition 13 on the outline permission, and the Highway Authority supports the layout subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The highway, housing, drainage, ecology and forestry concerns were addressed through revisions, while several consultees ultimately raised no objection or considered the proposal satisfactory.

“Highway Authority Initially raised concerns regarding the internal layout, including footway arrangements, visibility splays, turning provision for refuse and fire appliances, and parking compliance. Following revisions, most issues have been addressed, with the layout now meeting local standards for carriageway widths, parking provision, and shared surfaces. Minor outstanding matters can be secured by condition.”

“Housing Strategy The affordable housing mix is broadly acceptable in terms of bedroom numbers, dwelling types, and tenure split, and complies with the Section 106 agreement. Initial concerns regarding clustering and accessibility have been addressed, with the revised layout providing better integration of affordable units alongside market housing.”

Officer report

What residents said

Twenty-nine objections raised concerns about flooding, infrastructure, privacy, traffic, noise, environmental effects, design, housing need and disturbance from the pumping station.

“Flooding & Drainage - concerns about increased surface water runoff and flood risk. Site already prone to flooding; development could worsen issues. • Infrastructure Capacity - Insufficient GP services, schools, and leisure facilities. Local roads and level crossings already congested; development will exacerbate traffic issues. General lack of amenities to support additional population.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from a member of the public opposing approval, the ward member, and the agent and applicant.

What members discussed

Members discussed drainage, affordable housing arrangements, open-space management, road adoption and the maintenance of private drives.

“Ward Member Councillor Ross questioned the departure from pepper potting affordable housing, to which the applicant and officers responded that the layout was revised following discussions with the Housing Strategy Officer and the registered provider, Amplias, who preferred clustering for maintenance efficiency. The final arrangement was deemed policy compliant and was agreed with relevant stakeholders.”

“It was explained to Members that the open space would be managed by a resident management company, with maintenance costs shared among residents. Most internal roads would be constructed to adoptable standards under a section 38 agreement, with some private drives clearly identified in conveyance documents.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Brown proposed approval, which was seconded and carried with nine votes in favour and one abstention.

“It was proposed by Councillor A Brown and seconded that the application be approved subject to the conditions in the report.”

“Upon being put to the vote, with nine votes in favour and one abstention, the motion was carried.”

Minutes