One detached dwelling at Lamberhurst Farm, Shoreham Lane, Halstead

What was proposed

The application sought permission in principle to demolish existing buildings and build one detached dwelling.

“- 25/01832/PIP Revised expiry date 26 September 2025 Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a detached dwelling with a minimum of 1 and maximum of 1 net dwellings. Location: Lamberhurst Farm, Shoreham Lane, Halstead Kent TN14 7BY Ward(s): Halstead, Knockholt & Badgers Mount Item for decision The application has been referred to Committee by Councillor Grint due to risks of surface water flooding.”

“I further note that the area where the stables are located within the Ancient Woodland buffer zone and that there would be overhead power lines in the vicinity of the site Description of proposal 2 The application seeks permission in principle for one dwelling. This application is a resubmission following the refusal of application 25/01398/PIP.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the revised dwelling location was outside the ancient woodland buffer and flood-risk area, with detailed matters reserved for later.

“Paragraph 193(c) of the NPPF sets out that development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats should be refused unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists. Impacts can be caused by activities outside of areas designated as ancient woodland (eg within buffer zones), or within open areas of ancient woodland, which can result in loss or deterioration of ancient woodland.”

“Footnote 59 advises that a site-specific flood risk assessment should be provided for all development in Flood Zones 2 and 3. In Flood Zone 1, an assessment should accompany all proposals involving: sites of 1 hectare or more; land which has been identified by the Environment Agency as having critical drainage problems; land identified in a strategic flood risk assessment as being at increased flood risk in future; or land that may be subject to other sources of flooding,…”

Officer report

Other views

No public representations were received, and the Environment Agency had no comment.

“Whilst the principle of the development is acceptable, it is appreciated that the detailed layout will need to be assessed should a full application be submitted. Full details relating to the site access, site layout, car and cycle parking etc can therefore be dealt with once the applicant submits a full application. The West Kent PROW team, here at KCC, should be separately consulted on these proposals, regarding public footpath SR41.”

“This means that the Public Right of Way must not be stopped up, diverted, obstructed (this includes any building materials or waste generated during any of the construction phases) or the surface disturbed. There must be no encroachment on the current width, at any time now or in future and no furniture or fixtures may be erected on or across Public Rights of Way without consent. Representations 53 No representations have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard a speaker against the application, a speaker for it and a parish representative.

Members’ debate

Members discussed flooding, Green Belt performance, housing need, the ancient woodland buffer and the dwelling’s location outside the flood zone.

“Questions were asked of the Officers with a focus on flooding and impact on the Green Belt. In response to questions Members were advised that the part of the site within the within the flood zone would require a Flood Risk Assessment should permission in principle be granted. The trade-off of built form would provide a larger buffer for the ancient woodland adjacent to the site.”

“Members discussed the application giving consideration to the housing need within the district, the buffer zone for the ancient woodland, and the risk of flooding. They noted that the dwelling would be outside of the flood zone on the site.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed the recommendation and granted permission in principle without conditions.

“It was moved by the Chairman that the recommendations set out in the report, be agreed.”

“Resolved: that permission in principle be granted. No conditions. 31.”

Minutes