Two self-build dwellings at Anthill Farmlands, Hambledon Road, Denmead

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for two self-build homes, with access considered and other matters reserved.

“The proposal is outline for two self-build dwellings, plot 1 would be located to the rear of Anthill Farm and accessed of a shared private driveway. Plot 2 would be accessed directly off Hambledon Road.”

“The application is in outline with all matters reserved except for access.”

Officer report

The site

The site is sloping land off Hambledon Road, beside existing homes, farm buildings, woodland and the Anthill Common SINC.

“The application site is located off Hambledon Road. There is a pylon adjacent to the application site. The land is sloped to the south presenting a significant level change of approximately 7m from the application site to the Haven to the south. The application site is located at the top of the hill with the existing dwellings and farm buildings readily visible from medium distance views.”

“The site is generally L shaped with plot 1 located to the rear of an existing cluster of dwellings and farm buildings that are separated from Denmead to the south by fields and woodland. To the north is The Grounds, Anthill Farm and Anthill Farmhouse. The settlement boundary is located approximately 88m from the application site to the north and approximately 50m from the settlement boundary to the south.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended refusal because the homes would be outside the settlement boundary without sufficient justification and would harm the countryside and rural character.

“The proposal would result in visual and physical harm to the countryside and rural character of the area around Denmead contrary to policy DM23.”

“The application would be contrary to policies DS1, MTRA2, MTRA3, and MTRA4 of the Local Plan Part 1 and policy 1 of the Denmead Neighbourhood Plan, in that it would result in additional dwellings outside of the settlement boundary with no justification.”

Officer report

Main planning concerns

Plot 2 was considered harmful because it would introduce built form, reduce the countryside gap and obstruct views towards Anthill Common.

“Plot 2 would be located to the south of the existing line of development behind Anthill Farm and Anthill Farmhouse. The existing site is agricultural grazing land with an open character. The proposal would result in urban creep introducing built form into the countryside and constricting the gap between the 2 ends of the village and obstructing views into anthill common.”

“In regard to plot 1 it is noted that this area of the site has existing farm buildings. Plot 1 would replace and remove a number of these structures. While it is acknowledged that this land would constitute previously developed land, it is considered that the existing farm buildings would be of a form and layout that would be expected within a countryside location.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

Some technical consultees raised ecology, landscape and tree concerns, while others had no objection or sought conditions; representations included objections and support.

“Service Lead – Sustainability and Natural Environment (Ecology) – • Objection - Further information required.”

“Service Lead – Sustainability and Natural England (Landscape) – • Concerns raised in regard to visual and physical impact of plot 2 and impact on hedge adjacent to plot 2 access.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter spoke for the application, and a councillor spoke for Denmead Parish Council in objection and answered questions.

The committee’s discussion

Members questioned the application after the case officer explained that both parts conflicted with the Local Plan and refusal of the whole application was recommended.

“Following the public speaking session, the Case Officer clarified that, although a “split decision” was within the Committee’s powers, both elements of the proposal were contrary to the Local Plan, and refusal of the full application was therefore recommended. The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee refused permission for the reasons set out in the application assessment.

“RESOLVED The committee agreed to refuse permission for the reasons set out in the report.”

Minutes