38 homes at Land North of the A372 and East of New Road, Othery, Bridgwater

Up to 38 homes and a small commercial unit

The outline application proposed up to 38 dwellings, a small flexible commercial unit, public open space and drainage works.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was to consider for outline application with some matters reserved, for the erection of up to 38 dwellings, erection of 71sqm flexible commercial floor space (Class E), public open space, drainage and associated works.”

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Parish council objected to the scheme

Othery Parish Council said the development was oversized, outside the village boundary, lacked a safe footpath link, and did not match local housing need.

“The proposal was described as a significant expansion of the village, representing approximately a 12% increase in housing stock. • Considered the development neither proportionate nor justified by the evidence of local need for Othery. • The site was in the wrong location, lying outside the village boundary and accessed from a busy road with fast-moving traffic. • Argued that the development was not a sustainable location for new housing.”

“Policy CO1, Development should promote sustainable communities where residents can access services without excessive reliance on private cars. • Policy D25, Development should avoid conflicts between neighbouring land uses. The Parish Council considered that locating housing next to a working farm risked future complaints regarding noise, odour and normal agricultural operations. • Questioned the reliability and accuracy of the submitted traffic survey.”

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Who spoke

The parish council and the planning agent addressed councillors.

Whether affordable housing would be delivered

Officers said the 40% affordable housing was secured through a Section 106 agreement and could not be reduced without a new application.

“Councillors sought assurance that the affordable housing element, which was a key factor in supporting the application, would actually be delivered. She noted the report identified a policy conflict because no viability appraisal had been submitted to justify the market housing element.”

“Officers responded that affordable housing delivery would be controlled through the Section 106 agreement, the Council works with approved registered providers to secure occupation of affordable units and if changes were proposed to the affordable housing requirements, a variation to the Section 106 agreement would be required.”

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Conditions on lighting, noise and the pedestrian link

Officers agreed to amend conditions protecting the adjacent farm and future residents, and to require the pedestrian and cycle link before first occupation.

“Councillors requested that the condition dealing with noise mitigation recognise that it protected both future residents, and the adjacent farming business from future complaints. Officers agreed and proposed amending the wording of Condition 16 to reflect the two-way relationship between future residents and the agricultural operation. • Councillors queried Condition 18 and what was meant by "brought into use".”

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Farm odour and the affordable housing mix

Officers said an odour assessment found no unacceptable impact from the adjoining farm, and the affordable mix would include smaller homes identified as needed.

“Officers responded the odour assessment had considered the possibility of livestock being kept on the farm, the assessment adopted a cautious approach and found no unacceptable impact on future residents. Officers confirmed that Environmental Health had raised no objection. • Councillors questioned whether the scheme would genuinely deliver the smaller affordable properties that the Parish Council had identified as being needed.”

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Councillors voted to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which carried 7 votes to 1 with one abstention.

“After deliberations Councillor Filmer proposed to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Grimes.”

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be granted planning permission subject to the completion of the Section 106 agreement, Updated NHS contribution and the additional sustainability statement condition. With the additional amendments to conditions relating to protection of the adjacent farm and future residents and pedestrian/cycle link delivery prior to first occupation.”

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