Up to 52 homes at Land At Camps Field, Lower Road, Little Hallingbury

What was proposed

The outline application sought up to 52 dwellings, including affordable housing, with infrastructure, open space, biodiversity improvements and access from Lower Road.

“The Senior Planning Officer presented an Outline planning application, with all matters reserved (except for principal access), for the demolition of existing structures and erection of up to 52 dwellings, including affordable housing, associated green and hard infrastructure, public open space, biodiversity enhancements, and principal access off Lower Road.”

Minutes

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was assessed as Grey Belt, subject to the requirements in the report.

“She said that the site fell within the NPPF definition of Grey Belt and recommended that the application be approved, subject to those items set out in section 17 of the report.”

Minutes

Further public views

Supporters welcomed affordable and smaller homes, opportunities for young people, new play space and greater economic stability.

“UTT/25/2181/OP Land At Camps Field Lower Road Little Hallingbury 1. Since the Committee Report was issued, a number of representations have been received from the public in support of the proposals. These are summarized as follows: • more affordable homes locally • more smaller homes • keep young people in the area • New play space will be positive • Area more economically stable…”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Objectors raised drainage, alleged legal and process failures, Green Belt and heritage matters, design, flooding, ecology and transport concerns.

“There have also been a further 2 letters of objection to the proposals, with one raising concerns in regard to drainage, and another setting out their opinion on how the Council is acting unlawfully. Key points are summarised as: • approving the application would be unlawful due to multiple failures in law, evidence, and process.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative and two councillors spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support.

Committee debate

Members sought robust external noise mitigation, discussed possible deferral and agreed wording changes relating to monitoring reports.

“Councillor Freeman said that he would propose the motion, provided that a Condition 26 was made much more robust to ensure strong external noise mitigation acoustic strategies were in place. Councillor Emanuel seconded the motion.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The Strategic Director of Planning was authorised to grant permission subject to a legal agreement and conditions, with refusal authorised if the agreement was not completed.

“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- A) Completion of a s106 Obligation Agreement in accordance with the Heads of Terms as set out. B) Conditions…”

“And if the freehold owner shall fail to enter into such an agreement, the Strategic Director of Planning shall be authorised to refuse permission following the expiration of a 6-month period from the date of Planning Committee.”

Minutes