Outline Planning Application with all matters reserved for the erection of two self-build/custom built dwellings.

The Committee heard that the application was before Members at the request of Councillor Bray, due to the site being located outside the settlement development boundary and his concerns with the impact of the proposed development.

It was reported that the application related to the land adjacent to number 34 Amerells Road, Little Clacton. The site was located to the eastern end of Amerells Road and formed part of an agricultural field.

Members were told that the application sought outline planning permission for the erection of two self-build/custom built dwellings with all matters reserved. For the avoidance of doubt, Access, Layout, Scale, Appearance and Landscaping were all reserved for subsequent consideration as part of future Reserved Matters application(s) (if outline planning permission was granted).

The Committee also heard that the site was located outside, but directly adjacent to, the defined Settlement Development Boundary of Little Clacton which was categorised within Local Plan Policy SPL1 as a Rural Service Centre in recognition of its level of services and amenities. Local Plan Policy SPL2 did not explicitly preclude the development of housing outside SDBs as a matter of principle. The category of the settlement and the site’s relationship with the defined settlement boundary complied with the principles of sustainable development as well as the policy requirements for self-build homes as set out in Policy LP7.

Members were informed that the proposed dwellings would intrude into the open field to some extent. However, the application site was bordered by existing development on two sides (immediately to south and west), and further away, the site was enclosed by residential development along Harwich Road (to the north) and Feverills Road (to the south). Views into the open field would largely be retained and a residential development here in the form of two dwellings would be viewed against the backdrop of the existing dwellings in Feverills Road. Consequently, in the opinion of Officers, no overriding harm to the character of the area or landscape would result.

Officers told Members that, the additional traffic associated with 2 no. dwellings would not be significant and could not be deemed as materially harmful to highway or pedestrian safety.

The Committee noted that Officers considered that sufficient space was available on the site to provide a development of two dwellings that could achieve an internal layout and separation distances that would not detract from the amenities of nearby properties or the future occupiers of the proposed dwellings.

Members were also made aware that, considering the impact of the development and baseline situation on site, subject to the inclusion of the recommended conditions and completed UU, the development would conserve and enhance biodiversity interests.

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

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Senior Planning Officer (AL) in respect of the application.

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