121 homes at Butts Lane, Stanford-le-Hope

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to 121 homes, including affordable housing, with access, parking, open space, landscaping and biodiversity measures.

“- It will make a contribution towards the supply of housing in the Borough - It will make a contribution towards the supply of affordable housing - It will provide contributions towards the need for additional infrastructure - It will deliver local employment opportunities - It is forecast to provide in excess of 12% Biodiversity Net Gain…”

“PROPOSAL: Outline planning application with all matters reserved, except means of access, for the erection of up to 121 homes (Use Class C3) (including a mix of market and affordable dwellings), associated car parking, open space, hard and soft landscaping, biodiversity enhancements, boundary treatments, surface water drainage basins and associated works.”

Officer report

The site

The 11.72-hectare Green Belt site lies beside a school, railway and road, is mostly grassed, and has footpaths, hedgerows and some surface-water risks nearby.

“The site is designated Metropolitan Green Belt and lies within Flood Zone 1 with some instances of surface water flooding. It is bounded by Butts Lane to the west, the railway line to the east and St Cleres School to the north. The proposal does not extend to Mucking Wharf Road and a substantial landscape belt is proposed to mark the extent of development to the south. The site is approximately 11.72 hectares.”

“The site itself is not the subject of surface water flooding but the lower part of the field (outside the application site area and adjacent to the railway) and Butts Lane itself falls within an area at risk of surface water flooding.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways raised no objection to the junction, while Sport England objected technically; education, health, drainage and travel measures required contributions, information or conditions.

“No objection subject to further information confirming that the surface water hierarchy has been fully explored plus informatives concerning the approval required to connect to the network and that the site drainage details submitted have not been approved for the purposes of adoption…”

“While the site has potential to support sustainable travel, the current FTP lacks sufficient detailed measures to realise this potential. To ensure alignment with Council objectives and planning policy, we recommend:”

Officer report

Who spoke and advised

Officers addressed revised representations, sports facilities and highway safety, while the Highway Officer explained accident data, the access design and the case against a second access.

Members’ debate

Some members doubted compliance with national transport policy, while the Chair supported the homes and school benefits; questions also covered permissions, completions and housing supply.

“Some Members stated they did not consider the proposal had demonstrated compliance with Paragraph 104 of the NPPF and, therefore, support could not be given to the application.”

“The Chair advised that, on balance, support for the application remained, as it would provide benefits to the school and deliver new homes, which were considered important.”

Minutes