Four self-build homes at Lyndhurst, Storage Building, Longstanton

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission to demolish a storage and distribution building, remove hardstanding and build four self-build dwellings.

“Proposal Outline planning consent for the proposed demolition of an existing B8 storage and distribution building and removal of car parking area / hardstanding and the erection of four self-build dwellings.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The brownfield site contains a storage unit, parking and hardstanding, and is bordered by homes, grassland and an existing access road.

“The site is a brownfield site comprising a B8 storage and distribution unit with associated ancillary structures, business vehicle parking and a large area of gravel and hardstanding. At present, the area of open grassland to Consultee Object / No objection / No comment Paragraph Reference Willingham Parish Council Objection 6.1 County Highways Development Management No Objection 6.2 Sustainable Drainage Officer No Objection 6.3 Ecology Officer No Objection 6.4 Tree…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was reasonably sustainable, visual harm would be minimal, and four homes would help address the self-build shortfall.

“The site is located outside the development framework, however, on balance it is considered that the proposal would be set within a sustainable location and would have minimal visual harm.”

“In conclusion, the proposed provision of four self-build dwellings would help meet the substantial shortfall in the district. Together, these identified benefits are considered to outweigh the identified harm.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the agent for the application.

What members debated

Members discussed the identified self-build occupants, space for four homes, highway access, the brownfield site and its location outside the development framework.

“In response to Members’ questions: ii. The Senior Planner commented that village frameworks existed to the south and to the north of the site and although the site did not fall within a development framework boundary the site was considered to be in a sustainable location due to the proximity of the site to the guided busway.”

“During debate the Committee considered the following issues: i. Noted 3 out of 4 occupants for the self-build dwellings were identified. Believed there was plenty of space for 4 dwellings at the rear of the site. Believed highway access was acceptable as it used to be a commercial property. ii. Commented that this is what they believed the self-build policy was for – for people on the self-build register to be able to build in a sustainable location.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee approved the application by unanimous vote, subject to the officer conditions with delegated minor amendments.

“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, including o an amendment to the wording of condition 21 detailed in the Amendment Sheet as follows:”

Minutes