20 dwellings at Land To The East Of Parsonage Road, Takeley

Earlier permissions

The site has implemented permission for a 66-bed care home, while an adjoining site has outline permission for up to 88 homes.

“UTT/19/0394/OP - Outline application with all matters reserved except access, for development of a care home (use class C2) with up to 66 bed spaces, including vehicular and pedestrian access, parking, infrastructure, landscaping and associated works – ALLOWED AT APPEAL”

“UTT/23/0062/DFO - Details following outline application UTT/19/0394/OP for a 66 bed care home - details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale – APPROVED”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the housing and affordable homes benefits outweighed the limited countryside harm and external garden noise impacts.

“In relation to countryside impact, whilst conflict with Policy S7 is acknowledged, the weight to be attributed to that conflict is reduced for several reasons. The site benefits from implemented planning permission for a substantial three-storey C2 care home building, which establishes the principle of significant built development in this location.”

“With regard to noise, it is accepted that external amenity areas within much of the site would experience noise levels exceeding the BS8233 upper guideline values, even with proposed mitigation. Environmental Health has objected on this basis.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor G Bagnall spoke against the application, while the applicant spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the development better looking than the previous scheme and sought stronger landscaping protection and longer maintenance.

“In response to questions from Members, officers: • Said that any landscaping issues in respect of matters such as sufficient plants and mature trees could be picked up within a landscaping condition to cover a period of maintenance for 10 years rather than 5 years. • Said that Thames Water had been notified of the proposed development.”

“Members discussed: • The development being much better looking than previous. • A stronger landscaping condition to be put in place.”

Minutes

Proposal to approve

Councillor Sutton proposed approval with a stronger landscape condition, and Councillor Church seconded the proposal.

“Councillor Sutton proposed approval of the application, with a stronger landscape condition put in place. This was seconded by Councillor Church.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to authorise permission subject to the report’s conditions and an additional condition safeguarding planting and maintenance for 10 years.

“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, together with an additional condition safeguarding planting and maintenance for 10 years- Conditions.”

Minutes