7 homes at Land East Of Oakhanger, Friars Lane, Hatfield Heath

What was proposed

Planning permission was sought for seven homes with a new access and associated development.

“PROPOSAL: Proposed erection of 7 no. dwellings with new access and associated development.”

“The applicant seeks planning permission to erect 7 no. dwellings with new access and associated development.”

Officer report

The site

The 0.76-hectare grassland site lies east of Friars Lane, beside existing homes and open countryside, within the Metropolitan Green Belt.

“The application site refers to a parcel of land on the east side of Friars Lane, Hatfield Heath and lies to the rear of the dwelling of Oakhanger. The site comprises a parcel of gently sloping grassland consisting of 0.76 ha which lies to the south of Chelmsford Road, to the east of Oakhanger and Heritage House, and to the west of the rear garden of Westwoods. There is a field gate and vehicular access onto Friars Lane to the southwest of the site.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the site grey belt land, sustainably located near village services, with suitable design, access and planning benefits.

“The proposed development would utilise grey belt land, in accordance with the Framework and all criteria set out in paragraph 155 are met. The site is adjacent the development limits for Hatfield Heath and is approximately 600- metres (10-minute walk) to the village core. The proposed development would be well connected and sustainably located with regards to its access to services, amenities and sustainable modes of transport.”

“The scale, layout and appearance of the proposed dwelling would be fairly modest and represent a housing mix largely consisting of small properties (2- 3-bedroom dwellings). The design of the dwellings largely reflects that of other detached properties located along Friars Lane and Chelmsford Road and continues the nucleated pattern of development spanning off, and around Chelmsford Road…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highways authority made no comment, while ecology, environmental health and aerodrome safeguarding raised no objections subject to conditions where applicable.

“The Highways Authority were consulted on the proposal but made no comments on the application.”

“No objection subject to conditions managing noise, construction impacts, ground contamination and lighting. UDC Environmental Health consultee response can be found in Appendix 2 of this report.”

Officer report

Local views

The parish council objected over Green Belt policy and access, two letters supported the proposal, and no objection letters were received.

“Hatfield Heath Parish Council object to this planning application for the following reasons: • Site is in Metropolitan Green Belt, application appears contrary to Policies S6, H9 and GEN 6 of the Adopted Plan 2005. • Access is over a roadway that has not received planning consent and is subject to a current enforcement request.”

“There are two letters of support for this application. The following comments were received:”

Officer report

People who spoke

A parish council representative spoke against the application and the agent spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed possible overdevelopment, the narrow road, passing spaces, the entrance bend, grey belt benefits and stronger conditions.

“In response to questions from Members, officers: • Said that the Highways authority was well aware of the width of Friars Lane and had made no objections to the application. Officers were unaware of any site visit by Highways.”

“Members discussed: • Possible overdevelopment of the site in the context seven dwellings on a very narrow road. It was recognised that there was already a fair share of infill development in Hatfield Heath. • Lack of passing spaces and the site entrance on a bend. • Significant balance being given to the use of grey belt land in the Planning Balance consideration.”

Minutes

The committee vote

A motion to approve was proposed, seconded and resolved by the committee.

“Councillor Emanuel (from the Chair) proposed approval of the application, together with strengthened conditions 4 and 8.”

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant permission for the development subject to the conditions set out in section 17 of the report and the Addendum List, together with strengthened conditions 4 and 8.”

Minutes