600-home residential development at Land to the West of Primula Way, Littleover

What was proposed

An outline scheme sought up to 600 homes, with access, flood measures, open space, landscaping and infrastructure included.

“Proposal: Outline application (all matters reserved for later consideration) except for the principal means of access for a residential development (Use Class C3(a)) including flood alleviation measures, public open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure for the residential development of up to 600 dwellings at Land to the West of Primula Way, Littleover Ward: Stenson Reason for committee determination This application is presented to Committee as it is a major…”

“There have been a number of objections raised by members of the public related primarily to highways, design, need, flood risk and impacts on biodiversity. There have been some concerns raised by consultees and the scheme has been amended during the course of the application to address these.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The 32.90-hectare agricultural site lies beside homes, a railway and Hell Brook, and is allocated for around 500 dwellings.

“Whilst the concerns raised are noted, on balance it is considered that the provision of 600 homes on this allocated site is acceptable subject to mitigation. Site Description The application site measures a total of 32.90 hectares and comprises a series of agricultural fields, on the southern edge of Derby City.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the additional homes acceptable because highway, drainage, ecology and other impacts could be addressed through conditions and obligations.

“The applicant has demonstrated that the quantum of housing, albeit being greater than the number of homes specified in the adopted planning policy, can be delivered in a sustainable way without any undue adverse impacts in terms of flood risk, highway safety, and ecology, amongst other matters.”

“None of the other matters raised through the publicity and consultation process amount to material considerations outweighing the assessment of the main issues set out above, noting that conditions or obligations have been attached where meeting the tests for their imposition.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highway, flood, environmental and other consultees raised conditions or requested mitigation, while several statutory consultees raised no objection.

“Environment Agency Commenting on the original submission, the EA stated that in the absence of an acceptable Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) we object to this application and recommend that planning permission is refused. Reasons The submitted FRA does not comply with the requirements for site-specific flood risk assessments, as set out in paragraphs 20 to 21 of the Flood Risk and Coastal Change planning practice guidance and its site-specific flood risk assessment checklist.”

“Lead Local Flood Authority No objection subject to conditions relating to site wide surface water drainage design, management and maintenance; and details of surface water run off during construction. Various informatives are also requested.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillors spoke about traffic, crossings, local infrastructure and contributions, while the committee was also briefed on the site visit and late flood information.

The committee’s discussion

Members considered the application and supported the officer recommendation after hearing the late flood summary, mitigation and modelling information.

“The Senior Planning Officer addressed the Committee and summarised the key points of the late items received, including, the flood risk summary, mitigation and modelling work.”

“Members considered the report and supported the officer’s recommendations.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee approved planning permission, added a highway junction condition, required signage wording and delegated final conditions and the Section 106 agreement.

“That planning permission be approved as per the recommendations in the report of the Executive Director – Place and Prosperity, with addition of highways condition and insertion of reference to signage at condition 5. Delegation to Head of Planning to agree final conditions / Section 106 in view of Environment Agency comments.”

Minutes