Issue - meetings

Proposed replacement of an agricultural building with a two bed bungalow (in lieu of Prior Approval for 1 No. 2 bed dwelling, subject of application 21/00704/COUNOT).

It was reported that this planning application was before the Planning Committee as the proposed development would conflict with the requirements of the Development Plan, principally Policy SPL2 (Settlement Development Boundaries) of the Tendring District Local Plan 2013 – 2033 and Beyond Section 2 (adopted January 2022) being located outside of any defined settlement boundary and it had an Officer recommendation of approval.

Members were informed that this proposal of a dwelling was on balance, not considered by Officers to be materially different in regard to the siting or the footprint of the development approved under prior approval 21/00704/COUNOT. The overall height of the proposed dwelling exceeded that of the existing building, however this was not considered by Officers to result in significant harm.

The Committee heard that the proposed dwelling had been revised during the course of the application to be softer with a more agricultural like appearance with timber cladding and full length windows, which was considered to be in keeping with the rural location. The access remained as existing and there were no objections from the Highways Authority.

Members were told that the Council’s Tree and Landscape Officer had noted that the application site was overgrown with some established conifers along the eastern boundary. A soft landscaping scheme to include the site boundaries would be secured by condition as this would help to soften the appearance and screen/filter views of the site from the Public Right of Way to the east.

The Committee was also informed that there was sufficient parking and private amenity spaced provided, and there would not be significant harm to existing neighbouring amenities, subject to conditions.

Finally, Members heard that proposed conditions were included within the recommendations to ensure the provision of biodiversity enhancement and a scheme for the provision and implementation of water, energy, and resource efficiency measures for the lifetime of the development.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Planning Team Leader (JJ) in respect of the application.

No Officer update for this application was submitted to the Committee.

There was no public speaking on this application.