Three-bedroom self-build home at The Oaks, Cornells Lane, Widdington

What was proposed

The application sought to demolish an existing outbuilding and build one single-storey, three-bedroom self-build dwelling.

“The applicant seeks planning permission to demolish the existing outbuilding and erect 1no. single storey, three-bedroom, self-build dwelling.”

“The proposal seeks to demolish the existing outbuilding and erect 1no. single storey three-bedroom self-build dwelling…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site lies behind The Oaks, includes a former poultry shed, grassland, mature trees and hedgerows, and uses an existing access from a protected lane.

“The application site refers to a parcel of land on the southern side of Cornells Lane, to the rear of the dwelling known as The Oaks. The site is approximately 1km east of the village core of Widdington. The Oaks was built under planning permission UTT/16/0746/FUL replacing Malt Place Bungalow, which was formerly associated with the Poultry Farm to the rear of the site.”

“The site also comprises a large area of amenity grassland and mature trees across the site and is bounded by established hedgerows on all boundaries. To the north, the site abuts the rear gardens of The Oaks and the recently approved dwelling under UTT/25/0580/FUL which has not yet been constructed. To the east, the site borders the former poultry farm which is currently being redeveloped for 10no. homes under UTT/21/2649/FUL.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would replace a redundant building, fit the surrounding built form and comply with planning policies, subject to conditions.

“The proposed dwelling is the same scale, footprint and bulk as the existing redundant poultry building on site and is designed in the similar style as the dwellings currently under construction adjacent to the site, as approved under UTT/21/2649/FUL with brick plinth, weatherboard cladding and a slate grey standing seam roof.”

“The proposals have been assessed against the relevant policies contained within the Development Plan and the NPPF. It has been concluded that they comply and in accordance with these policies and guidance. In conclusion, it has been found that the proposals are acceptable and thus are recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

The highway authority and specialist consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while the parish council and 25 residents objected on several grounds.

“From a highway and transportation perspective the Highway Authority stated that the impact of the proposal is acceptable to the Highway Authority subject to compliance conditions. The Highway Authorities consultee response can be found in Appendix 1 of this report.”

“Widdington Parish Council object to this planning application for the following reasons: • The Council has a 5-year housing land supply • The development doesn’t meet the definition of self-build • Widdington is not a 'sustainable' location for new housing • Comprises backland development – encroaching on countryside/at odds with linear pattern of development on the lane…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of Widdington Parish Council spoke against the application and the agent spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed contamination, self-build enforcement, nearby development, countryside principles and securing biodiversity enhancements for trees and hedgerows.

“Members discussed: • The UDC Environmental Health statement in respect of contaminated land. This had all been covered within the proposed conditions. • Self-build issues as raised in Paragraph 14.3.28. The Planning Lawyer said that concerns were adequately addressed within Condition 15. Officers said that enforcement measures could be utilised if necessary.”

“Issues raised by the Parish Council and the Councillor calling the application in. • A previous statement made by the Head of Development Management and Enforcement in respect of developments in that area. It was confirmed that previous reference had been made by him to there being no more development into the countryside. • The need to secure Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) enhancements; particularly by possibly protecting the large oak trees and retaining the hedgerow.”

Minutes

The vote

A proposal to approve the application was made and seconded, with additional conditions concerning tree protection and hedgerow retention for biodiversity.

“Councillor Haynes proposed approval of the application, subject to additional conditions relating to trees protection and retaining hedgerows for BNG enhancements.”

“This proposal was seconded by Councillor Loughlin.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee authorised permission subject to the report’s conditions and additional biodiversity net gain conditions.

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to Grant permission for the development, subject to those items set out in section 17 of the report and additional BNG conditions.”

Minutes