200 homes and community facility at Ashlands Farm, Ashby Road, Tamworth

What was proposed

The outline scheme sought up to 200 homes, a community facility, café or public house, access, open space, landscaping, drainage and related infrastructure.

“Proposal Outline application (access sought) - Construction of up to 200 new homes, community facility / café / public house of up to 500sqm, access, public open space, landscaping, attenuation basin and associated infrastructure…”

“This outline planning application (including access) seeks permission for up to 200 homes, a community facility / café / public house of up to 500sqm, access, public open space, landscaping, attenuation basin and associated infrastructure on a site to the south of Ashby Road in Tamworth.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The 9.66-hectare site consisted of three agricultural fields south of Ashby Road, beside housing, open land, the River Anker and a public footpath.

“The 9.66 hectare site is located to the south of Ashby Road. The site is bound by Ashby Road to the north, beyond which is the Arkall Farm housing development in Lichfield District. To the east is a cluster of dwellings. To the south is open land and the River Anker. To the west is the Anker Valley housing development.”

“The site comprises 3 agricultural fields, bound by hedgerows and trees. There is a single vehicle access from Ashby Road on the northern boundary. The land levels across the site fall towards the River Anker, with the northeast being the highest point and the southeast being the lowest point, with an 18m difference. The Public Right of Way no.107 Tamworth runs across the southern area of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

An earlier application for a dropped kerb and access drive to the existing field was approved in 1982.

“T12117 Dropped kerb and access drive to existing field Approved 30/03/1982”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the scheme would help meet housing need and provide community, economic and environmental benefits, with conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

“With reference to this scheme, economically the proposal would provide direct and indirect employment opportunities. Socially, the scheme would provide a meaningful contribution to the Borough’s housing need, including affordable housing, and would deliver a small community facility/café/pub to serve the local population.”

“Environmentally, the scheme subject to conditions would not a have significant detrimental impact upon protected species or habitats and would provide a net gain to biodiversity. The proposal would preserve the setting of nearby heritage assets and provide suitable archaeological investigation. It has been demonstrated that the scheme would not have a detrimental impact upon the local highway network and that a safe and suitable access can be provided.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The agent spoke in favour and answered questions, while the ward councillor spoke against the application.

What members discussed

Members discussed highways, flood resilience and drainage, Section 106 obligations, the community facility, biodiversity net gain, public open-space management and housing mix.

“The Planning Case Officer presented the report. Members raised issues relating to highways, flood resilience and drainage, s106 agreement obligations and the community facility, biodiversity net gain, management of public open spaces, housing mix.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions and signing a Section 106 agreement.

“Approved subject to conditions and signing of 106 agreement…”

“(Moved by Councillor M Summers and seconded by Councillor A Wells)”

Minutes