27 dwellings at Land West Of Loddon Road, Ditchingham

“This application seeks full planning permission for the erection of 27 dwellings, vehicular access, pedestrian access, public open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure.”

“This would consist of 18 open market and 9 affordable dwellings as a mixture of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses and bungalows. Vehicular access would be taken off Loddon Road which requires the removal of one Oak tree (T6). A further Oak tree (T8) is also recommended for removal (due to its declining condition relative to the highway) however this will also facilitate a further pedestrian access onto Loddon Road.”

“The site, which totals around 1.75 hectares, sits on a vacant piece of land, a former enclosed agricultural arable field, which is positioned between post-war residential dwellings in form of estate housing to the south-west on Waveney Road (which is also the extent of Ditchingham’s current recognised development boundary) and ribbon form style detached bungalows to the northeast on Tunneys Lane.”

“Ditchingham is a service village, which has some local facilities and provisions of note such as a village hall, convenience stores (including a Post Office) and a primary school. The village is also served by bus services through Loddon Road (close to the site) between Beccles – Diss / Bungay and Hollow Hill Road between Norwich – Bungay / Halesworth. Both routes have reasonably frequent timetables.”

“The ‘Principle of Development’ section of this report explains that applications for planning permission should be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.”

“The proposal will provide for modest economic benefits from its construction and spending from future occupants of the dwellings, social benefits from the delivery of sustainably designed and located new housing including affordable housing, new public open space and off-site highway improvements enhancing the pedestrian and public transport credentials of the immediate area.”

“Proposed density concerning • Development / encroachment could harm rural identity of area • Barn owls do exist in the area (reference to Ecological Assessment) as do turtle doves and nightingales • Site lies in the Broads National Park, close to designated County Wildlife Sites, SSSIs and areas of privately maintained conservation and habitat restoration • Ecological sensitivity in the area needs to be supported • Light pollution impact upon local wildlife and rural…”

“Site queried if in Green Belt and has had previous applications declined • Concerns with the changes to Loddon Road (widening, loss of verge etc) • Pathway through estate beneficial but exits on blind corner • Speed limit changes along Loddon Road questioned and whether could be extended further • Impact upon local wildlife / wildlife in the area • Tunneys Lane flooding from water run off • Assurances required that foundations and chimney of proposed plot 11 will not…”

“In respect of foul drainage, it is proposed to make a connection to the Anglian Water (AW) network by connecting into the existing foul drainage that is routed along Loddon Road to the south-west. The first priority under the Building Regulations is for foul drainage to connect to a public foul sewer system. Only if a public foul sewer is not available, should an alternative means of disposal be considered.”

“Officers are reviewing legal advice on the proper approach to be taken in on this matter respect of conditions. Therefore, Officers seek delegated authority to determine the final conditions / controls in respect of the foul network following its review of legal advice which may result in the Council either adding a foul drainage condition which will require the developer to finalise the proposals with the Local Planning Authority at the discharge of condition stage,…”

“Decision : Members voted 7 – 0 with one abstention to authorise the Assistant Director of Planning to approve subject to resolution of the matter relating to Anglian Water, conditions, any updates needed following the publication of the new NPPF, and the resolution of a Section 106 agreement to secure affordable housing, open space, monitoring fee and RAMS.”