Self-build dwelling at 90 West Drive, Highfields Caldecote

What was proposed

An outline application sought a detached self-build dwelling after demolishing the triple garage, with all matters reserved.

“25/01211/OUT – 90 West Drive Highfields Caldecote Cambridgeshire CB23 7NY Application details Report to: Planning Committee Lead Officer: Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development Ward/parish: Caldecote / Caldecote Proposal: Outline application for erection of a detached self build dwelling with all matters reserved following demolition of triple garage at No.”

“The application has been amended to remove ‘access’ from the matters included within the consideration of the application. The application is now all matters reserved, and access will be dealt with at reserved matters stage. 4.”

Officer report

The site

The site is residential garden and driveway land beside the existing dwelling, with established trees and most of it outside the development framework.

“Site description and context 2.1 The proposal site comprises the land adjacent to 90 West Drive, it is current used as part of the residential garden and driveway of the host dwelling. There is an existing building, used as a garage space for the main house, where the indicative plan shows that the dwelling would be located.”

“The proposal site is predominately outside of the development framework boundary of Highfields Caldecote, the boundary extends across the existing access road, approximately 40 metres from the position of the indicative dwelling shown on the plans. The proposal site is located on Grade 3 Agricultural Land.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

The site has a history of permitted extensions and a permitted self-contained flat and holiday accommodation, while the garden land has no separate planning history.

“Planning background 10.1 The application site comprises the residential garden land at No. 90 West Drive, it has no separate planning history.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it would fit the garden setting, avoid substantial harm and make a small contribution to the self-build shortfall.

“Officers are mindful that several planning appeals have been determined in recent years which have attributed weight to the provision of self-build plots because of the shortfall in delivery of self-build dwellings, however this is balanced against any harm amounting from the proposal in the planning balance. Each application should be determined on its own merits.”

Officer report

Other views

No third-party representations, member representations or local group petitions were received.

“Construction hours 2. Piling 3. ASHP 4. Demolition 5. Noise and dust Sustainable Drainage Officer- No Objection 6.9 Although no information has been submitted with respect to surface water drainage and foul water drainage, as the site is not in or immediately adjacent to an area of identified flood risk, it is considered that the submission of a Surface Water Drainage Strategy and Foul Water Drainage Strategy can be addressed by way of condition Tree Officer- No Objection…”

“Member Representations 8.1 No member representation has been made…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Chair referred members to a written statement from the applicant supporting the application.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed the self-build proposal, noted the intention to live there, supported replacing the garages and discussed the brownfield site and native planting.

“In response to members’ questions: i. The Delivery Manager advised that following feedback from recent Planning Inspector decisions the decision had been taken to secure self / custom build development by a legal planning agreement going forward rather than through a planning condition. This would apply to all self/custom build applications coming forward. ii.”

“During debate the Committee considered the following issues: i. Welcomed the self-build application and noted the applicant had said in their written statement that they wanted to live in the proposed dwelling. ii. The proposed development would replace the garages with a more visually attractive development. iii. Although the proposed development was outside the development framework; it would be on Brownfield land. iv.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee unanimously voted to approve the application with amended conditions, a landscaping informative and delegated authority for a legal agreement.

“Planning Committee Wednesday, 11 March 2026 approve the application subject to: iii. The conditions set out in the officer’s report; with the deletion of condition 9 and delegated authority for officers to make minor amendments to the conditions as drafted; and iv.”

“By unanimous vote of 8 vote, the Committee approved the application subject to: • The conditions set out in the officer’s report; with the deletion of condition 9 and delegated authority for officers to make minor amendments to the conditions as drafted.”

Minutes