Single-storey detached dwelling at The Cottage, Foxes Lane, Hatfield

What was proposed

The application proposed a single-storey detached dwelling with a basement, landscaping and access works after demolishing existing outbuildings.

“ERECTION OF A SINGLE STOREY DETACHED DWELLING WITH BASEMENT, AND ASSOCIATED LANDSCAPING AND ACCESS WORKS, FOLLOWING THE DEMOLITION OF EXISTING OUTBUILDINGS”

Officer report

Earlier applications and changes

An earlier dwelling proposal was refused and dismissed on appeal; the revised scheme increased the plot, reduced hardstanding and improved access, landscaping and design.

“The appeal proposal would have a greater effect on the openness of the Green Belt and the character and appearance of the area than the fallback position. Notwithstanding this, I attach moderate positive weight to the contribution the appeal site would make to boosting the supply of housing and providing housing where a 5-year housing land supply cannot be demonstrated. I also attach limited positive weight to the other benefits of the scheme.”

“The following amendments are proposed: • Reduction in vehicle accesses and hardstanding along Foxes Lane: The revised scheme proposes a shared vehicular access with the host property, The Cottage, thereby removing the need for a new opening in the highway verge and allowing for enhanced soft landscaping along the northern boundary. This avoids the need for a new opening in the verge and allows for increased planting along the northern boundary.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, concluding that the revised proposal was acceptable overall and represented sustainable development despite poor access to services by non-car transport.

“In decision-taking, if an authority cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, including any appropriate buffer, the presumption in favour of sustainable development will apply, as set out in Paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF which states that: d) where there are no relevant development plan policies, or the policies which are most important for determining the application are out-of- date 8 , granting permission unless: i.”

“While the development does not constitute sustainable development in locational terms, given the site’s poor access to public transport, shops, and services, this harm must be weighed against the other planning benefits.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent addressed the committee, describing the policy changes, revised design, previously developed land and benefits of the proposed home.

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“That Planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes