14 affordable homes at Land To East Of Lovett Road, Byfield

What was proposed

The application proposed 14 homes, including 12 affordable homes, with parking, open space, a play area, landscaping and access from Lovett Road.

“This application is seeking planning permission for the construction of 14 dwellings with associated parking, public open space, a local area of play (LAP) and landscaping, with access off Lovett Road. The proposal has been submitted as a Rural Exception Site.”

“The proposed development will act as an extension to the existing housing development on Lovett Road with the proposed layout taking account of existing landscape features, such as the mature hedgerow to the east which will be retained to act as a natural barrier to the fields beyond.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site was vacant open land on Byfield’s northeastern edge, outside the village boundary in open countryside and beside existing housing and farmland.

“The application site is located on the northeastern edge of the village of Byfield and measures approximately 0.6ha in size. In its current form, the site comprises of vacant open land, having formerly been used for rough grazing. The application site forms part of a larger field, although is part of the surrounding agricultural land, remains uncultivated.”

“The site is located outside of the defined village boundary, within an area categorised as open countryside. The site immediately adjoins an existing housing development of mid-20 th century housing to the west. This housing development is separated by the A361 running north and Woodford Road running east.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications concerned outline housing schemes of up to 116 homes on land north of Woodford Road; one was dismissed on appeal and one was finally disposed of.

“DA/2015/0276 Outline application for residential development of up to 116 dwellings including access (resubmission) - Land To North Side Of Woodford Road Byfield Northamptonshire - Finally Disposed Of…”

“DA/2014/0724 Outline application for residential development of up to 116 dwellings including access - Land To North Side Of Woodford Road Byfield Northamptonshire - Appeal Dismissed…”

Officer report

What consultees said

The Parish Council objected, while highways, public health and housing consultees supported or raised no objection subject to conditions and obligations.

“Byfield Parish Council maintains its objection to this application having reviewed changes to the proposed plans made since our original response. Provision of visitor parking has reduced from 12 visitor spaces in the original application to 3 in the revision. This is considered inadequate for the number of properties, with visitors to the development inevitably parking on nearby roads.”

“The proposal is for a rural exception scheme with 12 affordable housing and 2 market housing dwellings. This development will meet the identified need to the village, evidenced by an up-to-date housing needs survey. The mix meets the needs identified in the survey.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents raised concerns about traffic, road safety, parking, development beyond the village, loss of open land, flooding, wildlife, infrastructure and design.

“Playground provision needed • Issue of additional traffic on Woodford Road • Surrounding roads not adequately looked after • Not happy with the idea of more people and new build houses • Will ruin the village aesthetic and warm, quiet feel • Roads already too small and won’t be able to handle extra traffic • Site lies beyond established village limits • Approval would set a dangerous precedent • Loss of productive farmland • Unsuitable infrastructure • Congestion and road…”

“Loss of green space, disruption to local wildlife habitats • Significant visual impact • Substantially increase vehicle movements • Concerns about impact of construction works • Excessive scale • No clear demonstrated need • Not in keeping with the character of the area • Water system is already at capacity • Previous applications denied • Mostly affordable houses will decrease the safety of the area • Will decrease value of houses • Only a matter of time until there is a…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward member spoke against the application on behalf of the Parish Council, and the applicant’s agent spoke in support.

What members debated

Members asked whether a condition could require a crossing over Woodford Road, but were told it would not be enforceable outside the application site.

“During the debate, Members of the Committee requested clarification as to whether it would be possible to add a condition requiring the construction of a pelican crossing from the proposed development across the Woodford Road. In response to this discussion, the Development Management Team Leader explained that, as this would be outside the red line of the application site, any such condition would not be enforceable.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to approve was supported by five members, opposed by none, and met four abstentions.

“It was proposed by Councillor Sally Keeble and seconded by Councillor Christine Ware that application 2025/2522/MAF be approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation. The motion was put to the vote with five votes cast in favour of the proposal, no votes cast against with four abstentions, therefore the motion was carried, and the application was approved.”

Minutes

What the committee decided

The Committee delegated permission to the Assistant Director, subject to the Section 106 obligations and the report’s conditions.

“In reaching its decision, the Committee considered the Case Officer’s report and presentation, the addresses of the public speakers, and the Committee Updates.”

“(1) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning and Development to grant permission to application 2025/2522/MAF subject to:”

Minutes