Four self-build homes at Land West Of Whitecroft Road, Meldreth

The site and surroundings

The 0.87-hectare site lies west of Whitecroft Road, outside the development framework, beside homes, a fruit farm, woodland and a public footpath.

“Table 2 Consultee summary 2. Site description and context 2.1 The application site is located on the western side of Whitecroft Road. To the east are existing dwellings at 19, 19A 19b and 19c and 21 and 21a Whitecroft Road. To the north the application site shares a boundary with Cam Valley Orchards Fruit Farm.”

“The site is outside of the Development Framework in the countryside. The site is within Flood Zone 1 and at low risk of surface water flooding. The site is 0.87ha in area. The proposal 3.1 Outline application for the erection of 4 self-build/custom build dwellings and associated development with all matters reserved except access…”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

There was no relevant planning history on the application site, while two earlier applications on the adjacent site were approved.

“A report on the disused badger set and updated BNG metric and report have been received. Relevant site history There is no relevant site history on the site. The following is the history of the adjacent site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because self-build need carried substantial weight, while the site was considered sustainable with limited countryside and amenity harm.

“Officers acknowledge the need for self-build houses within the District and due to the conclusions of the previous appeal decisions regarding self builds and the addition of Paragraph 73b of the NPPF, substantial weight can be provided to self-build dwellings.”

“In terms of visual impact, the proposed application site benefits from trees and hedging to its boundaries and is very secluded. The application site is contained and there are no views from the wider countryside beyond into the site.”

Officer report

Comments from others

Ten representations were received: eight objections and two neutral comments, raising concerns about privacy, noise, trees, access, traffic, parking and countryside development.

“Third party representations 7.1 10 representations have been received, none in support, 8 in objection and 2 raising neutral comments.”

“Those in objection have raised the following issues: Impact on Privacy and Noise: Increased traffic noise and headlights affecting habitable rooms. Loss of privacy due to proximity of pedestrian pathways. Noise from vehicles striking ramps near homes. Environmental Concerns: Removal of mature trees and hedgerows, impacting privacy, character, and wildlife. Late environmental survey potentially missing seasonal biodiversity data.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the agent, and the Chair referred members to a written objection from a neighbouring resident.

What members discussed

Members considered access, sustainable transport, the contribution to self-build supply and whether the homes would harm the area’s character.

“In response to a members’ question the Senior Planner advised that: i. Members were considering the principle of development for the erection of 4 self-build/custom build dwellings and associated development with all matters reserved except access. ii. Whilst it was noted that there was already an internal access road to part of the site, the revised internal access road arrangements were a reserved matter.”

“During debate the Committee considered the following issues: i. Commented that they did not believe the additional 4 dwellings would add an unacceptable impact on access to the site. ii. Noted sustainable methods of transport were available in the village. iii. The application would contribute towards the land supply for self-build / custom build dwellings. iv. They did not believe that the additional houses would harm the character of the area.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee approved the application by unanimous vote, subject to the reported conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

“The Area Development Manager summarised the recommendation set out on p110 of the agenda for approval of the application subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report with delegated authority for officers to make minor amendments to the conditions as drafted and subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement.”

“By unanimous vote, the Committee approved the application subject to: • The planning conditions set out in the officer’s report with minor amendments to the conditions as drafted delegated to officers and a Section 106 Agreement.”

Minutes