55 homes at Land West of North Street, Lower Horsebridge

What was proposed

The application sought approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of 55 homes, including 19 affordable homes, play space and public open space.

“A total of 55 dwellings, providing a mix of housing types including 35% affordable housing. • Dwellings built to Future Homes standard, including sustainable features such as high performing fabric, air source heat pumps and smart energy management systems to monitor and control energy use, PV panels and energy efficient fixtures and fittings.”

“Proposal This is a reserved matters application for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the development pursuant to the outline planning permission. The development provides: • A total of 55 dwellings, providing a mix of housing types and tenures; • 19 affordable homes, which accords with the 35% policy requirement; • Two storey dwellings; • Retention of existing pond, trees and hedgerows on the site; • Provision of landscape buffers to North Street and along…”

Officer report

The site

The 2.74-hectare site is a rough grassland field on the outskirts of Lower Horsebridge, bordered by housing, roads, buildings, trees, hedgerows and agricultural land.

“Site and Surroundings The 2.74 hectare site is located in a predominantly rural area on the outskirts of Lower Horsebridge and comprises a semi-open rough grassland field bordered by hedgerows and trees There are no structures or significant features on site besides a small copse of semi-mature woodland surrounding a pond in the centre of the site, which supports a range of species including oak, hawthorn, grey willow, ash, hornbeam and elder.”

“Site Constraints The application site is subject to the following constraints: • Located outside a defined development boundary; • Five listed buildings (Bushbridge House, Croft Cottage, The Cottage, The Spa Stores and Olive House) lie to the south of the proposed application site; • Tree Preservation Order TPO No 54 2005 along southern boundary (land at Heathers and Old Telephone Exchange); • Located within the red Impact Risk Zone for great crested newts; • Public Right of…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, drainage, pollution control and arboricultural consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while the Parish Council supported the application with requests.

“Consultation Responses The following consultation responses and representations have been received. These responses are summarised. Full versions of the consultation responses and representations are available on the case file available on the Council’s website (link above). Statutory Consultees Highway Authority – No objection, subject to conditions • No objection to the principle of development on highway safety or capacity grounds.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning agent spoke in favour, and Councillor David White spoke as the local ward member.

The committee vote

Councillor Everitt proposed approval and Councillor Williams seconded the motion, in line with the officer recommendation.

“A motion was proposed by Councillor Everitt, seconded by Councillor Williams to approve Reserved Matters, in line with Officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

Reserved matters were approved subject to the agenda and officer-update conditions, with an additional privacy-screen condition for first-floor flats 45 and 47.

“RESOLVED: That Reserved Matters be approved, subject to the conditions outlined in the agenda report and Officer update and the additional condition as set out below:”

“Before the first occupation of the first-floor flats 45 and 47 hereby permitted the opaque glass privacy screen corner shall be installed in accordance with approved plan Proposed Dwelling Type 8 4 No Maisonettes 1 Bed 2 Person - 20365-FA-XX- XX-DR-A-03008 Rev P3 and shall be permanently retained thereafter.”

Minutes