Six-home outline development at Land West Of The Charters, Greatford Road, Uffington, Stamford

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to six detached homes, with access considered but layout, scale, appearance and landscaping reserved.

“This application is for outline planning permission for residential development with all matters reserved with the exception of access. It is proposed to access the site from two spurs off The Charters access road. An indicative drawing illustrates the siting of 6no. detached dwellings, however details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale are not being considered at this stage. Relevant History 3.1 No relevant history 4 Policy Considerations…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The grassland site lies west of The Charters, beside existing homes, the village hall and open countryside, within the Uffington Conservation Area.

“The application site is located to the west of The Charters, Uffington, which is located to the north of Main Road (A16) and to the east of Greatford Road. The site itself is a roughly rectangular shaped grassland plot (northern part paddock and southern part garden area, associated with Home Farmhouse, measuring approximately 0.58ha in total. Located immediately to the east of the site is The Charters, which is a cul-de-sac of 12 detached dwellinghouses.”

“The site falls within and is surrounded by the Uffington Conservation Area. Description of Proposal…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor submitted a written statement, three speakers opposed the application, and the applicant’s agent spoke in support.

What members debated

Members discussed highway safety, removed trees, ecology, access, the village hall, the conservation area, layout, precedent, local opposition and village growth.

“During questions to public speakers, Members commented on the following: - It was queried when The Charters was built. The speaker explained that The Charters was built in 1994 and was initially within the conservation area. - The agent was queried why the trees on site had been removed unlawfully. The agent confirmed they had been removed at the request of the electricity board as the trees were interfering with the electricity pylons.”

“During questions to officers and debate, Members commented on the following: - Clarification was sought about the safety implications given the highways concerns resulting in the 1994 refusal. It was confirmed that the National Planning Policy Framework was updated in 2011, changing Highways approach to safety analysis. - It was confirmed that the unlawfully removed trees would be replaced under enforcement powers or via condition on the planning application.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The proposal to approve the application fell, and a later proposal to refuse permission was agreed, with Councillor Paul Wood voting against.

“It was proposed and seconded to approve the application, including the additional recommendations published within the Additional Information Report. However, this proposal fell when voted on by the committee.”

“RECORDED – Councillor Paul Wood voted against the resolution.”

Minutes

Why permission was refused

Permission was refused because the development would harm the conservation area and extend housing incongruously into open countryside, despite the benefits of six homes.

“The proposed development would result in less than substantial harm to the significance of the Uffington Conservation Area by virtue of the removal of the traditional, narrow, long plot form to the rear of Main Street, that would not be outweighed by the public benefits associated with the erection of 6 dwellings, which is recognised as a significant benefit.”

Minutes