Three terraced bungalows at Toller Court, Horbling

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing a vacant community facility and building three terraced bungalows, including one one-bedroom and two two-bedroom homes.

“Description of Site 1.1 The application site is located in the village of Horbling, with access from Toller Court. Toller Court comprises a range of bungalows, and was once a sheltered accommodation scheme. The site is the former resident’s lounge / community hall for the residents of Toller Court, however this finished a number of years ago, and it has been left vacant.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered conversion of the former lounge into a five-bedroom bungalow, alterations, and two bungalows, but the latest permission lapsed without being implemented.

“Relevant Planning History S18/1262 Alterations to and conversion of former resident’s lounge facility to a 5-bedroom bungalow and the construction of a standalone laundry room. Approved Conditionally 17/10/2018 S18/2061 Section 73 application for the variation of condition 2 (approved plans) and removal of condition 4 (laundry block) of planning permission S18/1262. Approved Conditionally 28/12/2018 S20/0786 Conversion of the former resident’s lounge into two bungalows.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Environment Agency and National Grid raised no objections, Environmental Protection requested conditions, highways raised no objections, and Anglian Water initially objected over underground assets.

“Representations Received 5.1 Environment Agency 5.1.1 No comments to make 5.2 SKDC Environmental Protection 5.2.1 Comments to make: SKDC Environmental Protection has requested a number of planning conditions for a Construction Management Plan, Contaminated Land, and Demolition. Anglian Water 5.3.1 Objection.”

Officer report

Public concerns

Two letters objected over parking, traffic, design, construction disturbance, loss of open space, and possible noise from residents, cars and children.

“Representations as a Result of Publicity 6.1 The application has been advertised in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement and 2 letters of representation have been received, which has raised objection to the development. The letters of representation have raised the following material planning considerations:”

“Increased parking demand • More traffic on Toller Court • New build would not be in keeping with local buildings • Noise and disruption from construction • Wish to retain the open space area • The large bungalows could have children living there • Noise from new resident’s cars and children…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker spoke against the proposal, while the agent, a chartered architect, spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members asked about the footpath, hedgerows, the substation, electricity cables and Anglian Water; officers and the agent responded.

“The agent confirmed the existing public footpath would be changed due to car parking, however, would be of the same length and same areas could still be accessed. Furthermore, no hedgerows or trees would be removed.”

“The agent clarified the low voltage wires would be protected during construction and they would work with National Grid during construction to ensure that no damage comes to the cables and effects the electricity supply.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

The committee authorised the Assistant Director to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“To authorise the Assistant Director – Planning to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions:”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The permission included conditions covering commencement, approved plans, demolition, construction, contamination, landscaping, sustainability and biodiversity gain.

“Before the development hereby permitted is commenced (including any demolition works), the method of demolition of the existing building(s) shall have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The development must be carried out in accordance with the approved details.”

“The effect of paragraph 13 of Schedule 7A to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is that planning permission granted for the development of land in England is deemed to have been granted subject to the condition "(the biodiversity gain condition") that development may not begin unless: (a) a Biodiversity Gain Plan has been submitted to the planning authority, and (b) the planning authority has approved the plan.”

Minutes