75 homes at Land To West Of Park Lane, Charvil

What was proposed

The application sought reserved matters approval for 75 homes, roads, parking, open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage, with 30 affordable homes.

“Applicant Bellway Homes Ltd Site Address Land to West of Park Lane, Charvil, RG10 9TS Proposal Application for approval of Reserved Matters pursuant to Outline Planning Consent 232704 comprising details of 75 homes, together with associated internal access roads, parking, public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered.”

“This application seeks approval of the Reserved Matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) pursuant to Outline Planning Permission 232704 for the development of 75 dwellings on land west of Park Lane, Charvil, together with associated internal roads, parking, public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage infrastructure.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The countryside-edge site was previously agricultural land and a temporary builder’s yard, with outline permission already approving up to 75 homes.

“Application No. Description Decision & Date 143292 Proposed erection of 25 detached dwellings with associated roads, garages, parking spaces, gardens and landscaped areas. Provision of allotments with associated access and parking, plus replacement field access to adjoining grazing land. Original reference F/2014/2503 Allowed at appeal APP/X0360/W/15/ 313 0829 (02/03/2017)”

“Site Area 6.97 hectares Existing Units 0 Proposed units 75 dwellinghouses Proposed density - dwellings/hectare 10.76 Number of affordable units proposed 30, 40% of all dwellings proposed Previous land use Agricultural Grassland/Temporary Builder’s Yard…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the layout, appearance, scale and landscaping complied with the outline permission and were acceptable across the main planning issues.

“Officers conclude that the proposed appearance, landscaping, layout and scale accord with the approved Outline parameters and relevant development plan policies. The development is considered acceptable in terms of character, residential amenity, affordable housing provision, highways, sustainability, ecology and open space provision and represents and effective use of land and a well-designed residential development.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Parish Council and the agent spoke in support, a resident spoke against, and the ward councillor opposed the application.

What members discussed

Members examined flood-related layout changes, density, separation distances, ecology, landscaping, school crossing improvements, play space, connectivity, parking, the substation and housing mix.

“The Committee discussed the reasons for the revised layout, including updated Environment Agency flood mapping and hydrological constraints. Officers commented that changes had been made in response to the hydrological constraint, but it had also represented an opportunity to create a much larger amount of open space on the site. A density level which was appropriate and in keeping with the local area would be achieved.”

“Councillors considered the proposed on-site play area and open space arrangements. Officers advised that the policy requirement for the green infrastructure, including the play areas, was to serve the recreational needs of the development that was proposed. The proposed play area would provide a focal point for the new community.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the report’s conditions and informatives, adding advice to explore walking, cycling and related local funding improvements.

“RESOLVED: That application 253071 be approved subject to conditions and informatives detailed within the report and the following informative The applicant is advised to, when applying to discharge condition 18 of Outline Consent 232704, make efforts to include improvements to the footpath provision along Park Lane which connects to the application site, as well as improvements to the cycle lane infrastructure in the locale.”

Minutes