8-home residential development at 18 To 28 Fairview Avenue, Stanford-le-Hope

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for eight homes with parking, with layout and access included and other matters reserved.

“Outline planning permission is sought for a residential development consisting of 8 dwellings, including parking. All matters are reserved except for layout and access arrangements.”

“PROPOSAL: Outline planning permission for residential development comprising of 8 units (All Matters reserved except Layout and Access)”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, finding the access, amenity and ecology concerns could be controlled or addressed.

“The concerns raised by the Members at Planning Committee meeting which took place in July 2025 have been assessed and as set out above. The site lies within an urban area and whilst the Core Strategy generally accords with the sustainable principles of the National Planning Policy Framework the Council cannot demonstrate a 5-year housing supply. At paragraph 11(d) the NPPF introduces a presumption in favour of housing development.”

“The site is within an existing urban area and the density of the development broadly reflects that of the local character and in these areas some degree of mutual overlooking in expected, the width of the proposed access road would be in accordance with policy and recommended guidance, and that the biodiversity and ecological matters would be suitably addressed through the inclusion of appropriately worded conditions.”

Officer report

Main concerns considered

The concerns were access width and safety, effects on neighbours’ privacy, biodiversity and ecology, and the housing supply balance.

“A) Assessment of the width of the proposed access to ascertain whether it meets required standards, and to assess vehicle safety and the impact upon adjacent properties.”

“D) The effect of NPPF para 11(d) (the ‘tilted balance’) and the housing land supply position for the Council.”

Officer report

Who wished to speak

The Chair said a Ward Member wished to speak but had not had the opportunity to do so.

What members discussed

The Chair sought clarification about public speaking, and the Vice-Chair asked whether a site visit could take place during the deferral.

“The Chair of the Committee addressed Members explaining he understood a Ward Member wished to speak on this item but hasn’t had the opportunity to be able to do so. He stated that he had asked the Chief Planning Officer to clarify the process on public speakers at committee and in the meantime proposed to defer the item to the next meeting.”

“The Vice-Chair proposed if it was possible to have a site visit while the application was deferred.”

Minutes

The application was deferred

The application was deferred to the next Planning Committee meeting, with a site visit to be held.

“Recommendation: The application was deferred to the next meeting of the Planning Committee and for a site visit to be held.”

Minutes