28 homes with affordable housing at Land At Hill Green Wicken Road, Clavering

What was proposed

The application sought 28 homes, including 11 affordable homes, six self-build and custom-build plots, and associated infrastructure.

“This is a full planning application for the erection of 28 no. new dwellings, including 11 no. affordable dwellings, 6 no. self and custom build plots, and associated infrastructure.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was an open agricultural field within the village, enclosed by homes on at least three sides and near heritage assets and footpaths.

“The application site comprises an open agricultural field on the northern part of Clavering (Hill Green) located at the south-east corner between Clatterbury Lane and Wicken Road within the existing built area of the village.”

“Ground levels fall east to west and the land sits below the rest of the rolling farmland plateau on the wider landscape. The site is currently accessed from the north between Hillberry and Dove House. Public footpaths run at a distance to the east and south of the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Several people and a parish councillor spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support.

What members debated

Members considered the village’s linear character, sustainability, scale, active travel, heritage harm, self-build homes and whether the site was within the existing built area.

“In response to questions from Members, officers: • Said that there would be a separate footpath alongside the 6.1m wide access road. • Said that in respect of sequential flood risk assessments, no objections were raised by Essex CC (Lead Local Flood Authority), and the site was in Flood Zone 1. • Said that very little weight could be given to the emerging Neighbourhood Plan. • Detailed the affordable housing mix.”

“Members discussed: • The need to focus on the linear character of the village, sustainability, scale and active travel situations. • Whether much had changed since previous applications in relation to the impact and harm on the Conservation area and listed buildings. Whether the proposed development was in the wrong place and that impact and…”

Minutes

The vote

A proposal to approve was lost, followed by a proposal to refuse because the development was considered outside the existing built area and contrary to Core Policy 3.

“Councillor Sutton said that she considered the development to be a good one and saw no reason to turn it down; she proposed approval and this was seconded by the Chair. This proposal was lost.”

“Councillor Driscoll proposed that the application be refused on the grounds of not being in accordance with CP3; the development being outside of the existing built area of Clavering. This was seconded by Councillor Pavitt.”

Minutes

The decision

The Strategic Director of Planning was authorised to refuse permission for the development.

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to refuse permission for the development in accordance with the above proposal.”

Minutes