Seven dwellings and gazebo at Land At The Willows, California Road, Oldland Common

What is proposed

The application seeks demolition of a dwelling and outbuildings, followed by seven homes, a gazebo and associated works.

“This is a full planning application for the demolition of existing dwelling and associated outbuildings, the erection of 7 no. dwellings and 1no. gazebo outbuilding with associated works.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The steeply sloping site lies within the settlement boundary beside Siston Brook, with access from California Road and part of the land in flood risk areas.

“The site is located within the settlement boundary and is partly within Floodzone. One derelict dwelling is located on the steeply sloping site, as well as a number of outbuildings. The Siston Brook runs along the eastern boundary of the site, with road access from California Road.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the housing, design, transport, drainage, landscape, residential amenity and ecology impacts acceptable with mitigation and recommended approval.

“The proposal is acceptable in terms of landscaping, transport impact, drainage, residential amenity and design.”

“The proposal site has a large amount of species and substantial mitigation is required to make the proposals acceptable. If carried out as proposed, it is possible to develop the site and provide an enhancement to ecology. The proposal provides a voluntary 11.34% biodiversity net gain, which is afforded significant weight.”

Officer report

What residents said

Most representations objected over wildlife, biodiversity loss, sewage, flooding, road safety, design, density and affordability, while other comments supported improvement and new housing.

“Environmental and Ecological Concerns Wildlife Impact: - The site is home to protected species including badgers, bats, otters, water voles, slow worms, deer, foxes, and kingfishers. - Concerns about habitat destruction, displacement, and inadequate mitigation measures. - Many objectors cite the area as part of a vital wildlife corridor linking to Willsbridge Mill and Jubilee Park.”

“OFFTEM Scale and Density: - Replacing one house with seven is widely viewed as excessive. - Many suggest one or two homes would be more appropriate. Visual Impact: - The proposed three-storey homes are considered out of character with the area’s cottages and rural setting. - Fears of light pollution and loss of scenic views. Affordability: - Homes are perceived as luxury dwellings, not addressing local housing needs. - No provision for affordable or social housing.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support, while a local resident spoke against the proposal, raising ecological, landscape, design and overdevelopment concerns.

The committee votes

Members rejected a proposal to defer the application so the Ecologist could attend, then approved the planning motion.

“Councillor Paul Hughes thanked the Development Manager for her analysis of environmental and ecological impact, but given the sensitivities of the site, moved that consideration of the application be deferred to allow the Ecologist to be present.”

“On being put to a vote, the motion to defer, which was seconded by Councillor John Bradbury was LOST (3:4:1).”

Minutes

The decision

Authority was delegated to grant permission subject to conditions, a legal agreement securing the wildlife corridor and biodiversity gain, and a corrected condition reference.

“That authority be delegated to the Director of Place to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions set out within the report and the applicant first voluntarily entering into a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning act 1990 (as amended), to secure the following:”

“If an 11.34% Biodiversity Net Gain cannot be achieved on site, or the proposed enhancements should fail within five years, the developer shall pay a sum of £12,000 per Biodiversity Unit.”

Minutes