Up to 20 homes at Land At Sx 445 766 Lamerton

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 20 homes, a new access and associated works, with only access decided at this stage.

“Development: Outline application with all matters reserved except access for residential development of up to 20 dwellings, formation of new access & associated works…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a 1.1-hectare field on Lamerton’s south-western side, with access proposals, surrounding hedges, countryside and a public footpath crossing it.

“The application site is located on the south western side of Lamerton, to the side and rear of the small residential cul-de-sac named The Farriers and close to The Blacksmiths Arms. The application site is a field that has previously been referred to as ‘Land behind the Farriers’ in previous documentation in relation to the emerging Lamerton Neighbourhood Plan.”

“The field is approximately 1.1 hectares and slopes downward from the north east towards a large oak tree and field hedge on the south west boundary. Part of the north east boundary (between the Farriers and Woodbine Cottage and new dwellings on the former village hall) fronts onto the main road between Tavistock and Milton Abbot. This boundary comprises a hedgebank with an overgrown field gate access that appears to have little use in recent years.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and appeal

Two earlier applications for up to 20 homes were refused, and an appeal against one refusal was dismissed.

“Application Number: 4650/21/OPA Proposal: Outline application with some matters reserved for residential development of up to 20 dwellings, formation of new access and associated works (Resubmission of 1766/21/OPA) Decision: Refusal Decision Date: 17/03/2022”

“Application Number: 1766/21/OPA Proposal: Outline application with some matters reserved for residential development of up to 20 dwellings, formation of new access and associated works Decision: Refusal Decision Date: 21/10/2021 Appeal: APP/Q1153/W/21/3286032 - Dismissed (Refusal) Appeal Decision Date: 20/04/2022”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval with conditions and a legal agreement, finding that the housing benefits outweighed policy conflict in the absence of a five-year housing supply.

“In considering the previous appeal for essentially the same development, the Inspector found it to be unacceptable because the proposal did not accord with the exception site requirements of JLP Policy TTV27. Whilst this policy conflict remains, the balance is now tilted further in favour of development by paragraph 11(d).”

“Whilst conflict arises with the development plan as the proposal is not an affordable- led scheme, absent of a five year supply Officers consider this does not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of providing housing in this location adjacent to an identified sustainable settlement where detailed matters can be dealt with at Reserved Matters stage.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The agent supported the proposal, while the ward member opposed it and referred to the earlier appeal and Lamerton’s recent housing growth.

What members debated

Members discussed policy conflict, housing pressures, the tilted balance, the number of affordable and open-market homes, and possible vehicle use of the lane.

“Committee Debate: In a thorough debate, Members voiced their concerns on having to potentially make a decision that was contrary to the Strategic Plan and the need to be mindful of Central Government led demands for more housing to be built. The vehicular access onto the lane was mentioned due to safety concerns around possible use as a rat-run.”

“A Member pointed out that, as well as 6 affordable homes, there would be 14 open market homes and there was a housing crisis. It was also argued that Lamerton had already exceeded its prior housing requirements.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee voted to conditionally approve the application in line with the officer recommendation and its proposed conditions.

“After the debate, it was PROPOSED and SECONDED and, when put to the vote, declared CARRIED that:”

“The planning application be conditionally approved as per the Planning Officer’s report and recommendations .”

Minutes