22 new dwellings at Land To The East Of Clapton Hall Lane Dunmow, Great Dunmow

What was proposed

The application sought 22 homes, a new vehicle access, landscaping, public open space and sustainable drainage features.

“The application seeks full planning permission for 22 dwellings on land to the east of Clapton Hall Lane, Great Dunmow. The proposal includes the formation of a new vehicular access from Clapton Hall Lane, associated landscaping, public open space, and sustainable drainage features.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 1.2-hectare agricultural field lies in open countryside west of the A120, with hedgerows, Hoblong’s Brook and an existing track access.

“The topography of the site slopes from north to south and consists of a single agricultural field approximately 1.2 hectares. A hedgerow runs along all boundaries and in addition the Hoblong’s Brook runs along the southern boundary…”

“To the north of the site is the B184 and the bridge over the A120, to the west is Clapton Hall Lane (including the redevelopment of a former employment site to 5 units), to the south is Hoblong’s Brook and…”

Officer report

Earlier advice and site history

There was no relevant site history, but earlier advice considered 15–20 and 28-home schemes and identified concerns about countryside location, noise, design and ecology.

“Sustainable Development: The proposal was considered to deliver a positive contribution to the economic and social objectives of sustainable development but was found to fall short in addressing the environmental dimension. Concerns were raised in relation to the site’s proximity to the A120, including potential impacts from noise, air pollution, and the lack of a sufficient physical buffer.”

“Noise and Amenity: The 2021 pre-application advice included a standard condition for noise mitigation; however, the Design Officer subsequently concluded that such a condition would be inadequate in this case, as appropriate mitigation would require substantial measures to safeguard future residents’ amenity.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would provide affordable housing and other benefits, while its limited countryside, landscape and noise impacts could be mitigated.

“The proposal represents a sustainable form of development which would make a meaningful contribution to housing supply within a district experiencing an ongoing shortfall. When assessed against the policies of the Local Plan, the Great Dunmow Neighbourhood Plan, and the NPPF taken as a whole, the benefits of the scheme are considered to outweigh the identified policy conflict and limited adverse impacts.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application.

The committee decision

The committee authorised permission subject to the section 17 and 18 requirements and completion of a section 106 agreement.

“Councillor Emanuel said that her only concern was about noise and proposed approval of the application. This was seconded by Councillor Loughlin.”

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 17 and 18 of the report and completion of a s106 Obligation Agreement in accordance with the Heads of Terms as set out.”

Minutes