84-home residential development at Land Rear Of Shottfield Close Sandridge

What was proposed

An outline application proposed about 84 homes, with access from Shottfield Close, landscaping, parking and related works.

“To the north of the site; the other side of the public footpath is the Heartwood Forest. The area of land to the immediate north is currently open, with woodland close to the footpath boundary on a small section of the eastern most section of the northern boundary. There is residential development along Shottfield Close to the south west of the application site and Sandridge (primary) school and playing field to the south east.”

“As such, the application is accompanied by a Parameters Plan for the proposed development and detailed plans showing the proposed access. Whilst the description of development does not include a number of dwellings proposed, the supporting information suggests that approximately 84 dwellings will be delivered.”

Officer report

Planning history and call-in

There was no relevant planning history, and the application was called to committee because of significant public interest and district-wide implications.

“Reasons for Call in to Committee 1.1. The Development Manager has called this item to committee due to significant public interest and District Wide implications as per the Scheme of Delegation. 1.2.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the site grey belt, the development appropriate in the Green Belt, and the housing and other benefits greater than the identified harm.

“Addressing each of these points in turn: 8.4.17. a. This site is considered to be grey belt land and would not fundamentally undermine the purposes, taken together, of the wider Green Belt. This is as the site is contained with a relatively localised spatial impact on the Green Belt.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The application was brought forward following information from the applicant’s agent, and the Chair addressed uncertainty about skylark mitigation.

The committee’s concern

The Chair said there was doubt about whether skylark mitigation could be delivered at Pound Farm and sought certainty about its location.

“The Chair made a statement regarding the application, stating that it was brought to the attention of officers via the applicant’s agent, that there was some doubt over whether the skylark mitigation could be delivered in the location identified at Pound Farm. In light of the uncertainty the Chair recommended that the application be deferred so there could be certainty over the location of the mitigation.”

“It was moved by the Chair that the application be DEFERRED pending clarity in relation to skylark mitigation measures, to be sought from applicant. It was CARRIED.”

Minutes

Why it was deferred

The application was deferred to seek clarity from the applicant about the skylark mitigation measures.

“That the above application be DEFERRED to seek clarity in relation to skylark mitigation measures, to be sought from applicant.”

Minutes