Detached self-build dwelling at Durleigh Road, Bridgwater

What was proposed

The application proposed a two-bedroom detached self-build house with two parking spaces, a rear garden, and about 85 square metres of floor space.

“Application Details Application Reference Number: 08/25/00086 Application Types: Full Planning Permission Extension of Time: Yes Description: Erection of a detached dwelling with associated vehicle parking and garden areas.”

“Proposed development, Site and Surroundings Details of proposal 4.1 This is a full application for the erection of a self-build detached house with the garden to the rear and two parking spaces to the front. The house would comprise of a kitchen/dining room, living room and wc on the ground floor with two bedrooms and a bathroom above. The floor space would amount to approximately 85sqm.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the principle acceptable and found no detrimental effects on highway safety, character, residential amenity or ecology, subject to a self-build agreement.

“Executive Summary of key reasons for recommendation…”

“The principle of the development is acceptable and the proposal is not considered to have a detrimental impact on matters relating to highway safety, visual and residential amenities or ecology. As such, provided an appropriate legal agreement to ensure the house is occupied accordingly as a self-build dwelling, the application is compliant with policies S2, D2, D9, D14, D20, D24, D25 and D26 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan 2011-2032.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Fifteen representations raised concerns about access, traffic, turning, heritage, privacy, drainage, trees, wildlife, pollution and consultation.

“Material Planning Considerations Objections Officer Comment Restricted access width of lane Increase in traffic using the lane No walkways Inadequate turning and parking Increased degradation of the lane No street lighting Referred to within Impact on Highway Safety Section Potential damage to the wall near Grade II listed building Referred to within Impact on the Character of the area and the Heritage Asset section…”

“Impact on history and heritage of adjacent listed buildings Loss of privacy to Haygrove Farm Noise and disturbance Light pollution Referred to within Impact on Residential Amenity section Potential loss of further trees adjacent to the site Referred to within on the Character of the area and the Heritage Asset section Inadequate foul and surface water drainage details No details of provision of water, electric or gas Referred to within Others Matters section Loss of wildlife…”

Officer report

People who spoke

Three objectors raised highway and servicing concerns, while a supporter described the dwelling as modest and said access, parking and turning were provided.

Members’ discussion

Members debated whether the narrow private lane and junction could safely accommodate one additional dwelling, alongside the policy test of severe highway impact.

“Councillors highlighted the lane is narrow and difficult to use, Visibility and access onto Durleigh Road were constrained and additional traffic could worsen existing problems. Raised concern that the lane may already be over-intensified. The Highways officer clarified that the authority’s remit relates primarily to the public highway (Durleigh Road). Although the lane is private, any safety issues are still considered.”

Minutes

The committee vote

A motion to grant permission was proposed and seconded, then passed with seven votes for, three against and no abstentions.

“After deliberations Councillor Ferguson proposed to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Hendry.”

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be granted planning permission in line with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

Requirements attached

Permission was subject to a self-build legal agreement and conditions covering plans, biodiversity, water efficiency, access, lighting, contamination and trees.

“Legal agreement to ensure the house is occupied as a self-build dwelling for the first 3 years following completion and in the event of loss of self-build status to provide BNG.”

“1) To be begun within 3 years 2) In accordance with approved plans 3) Self build dwelling 4) Measures for the enhancement and protection of biodiversity to be installed 5) Wholesome water 6) Vehicular accesses and parking spaces to be provided 7) External lighting 8) Land contamination watching brief 9) Arboricultural Method Statement 10) Informative- BNG Biodiversity Gain Plan…”

Officer report