Application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act for Variation of Condition 2 (Approved Plans) of application 24/00254/FUL to increase the ground levels across the site.

Earlier on in the meeting as reported under Minute 27 above, Councillor Fowler (Chairman) had declared for the public record that she was one of the Ward Members. Councillor Fowler had further stated that she was predetermined, and she therefore withdrew from the meeting at this juncture and took no part whilst the Committee deliberated and made its decision on this application. The Chair was thereupon occupied by the Vice-Chairman (Councillor White).

Members were told that the application sought planning permission for the variation of the approved plans within 24/00254/FUL, in order to facilitate alterations to the ground levels across the site in comparison to what was previously approved. The level changes ranged across the site between -0.6 metres (towards the northern section of the site by Plot A) and 1.5 metres (to the southern section of the site by Plot E). The design, scale and layout of the development otherwise remained unaltered.

The Committee was reminded that the application was initially before the Planning Committee in June 2025; however, it was deferred by Members in order to allow for the submission of surface water drainage details as well as exploring for the boundary treatment and whether it would be feasible to amend the design.

Members heard that the agent for the application had provided a Drainage Technical Note as well as a Drainage Layout, which confirmed surface water was attenuated in tanks before it was discharged into the existing sewer at greenfield run off rates. The roads and driveways were all permeable and lead to a large attenuation tank underneath the block paved road, which led to an even larger tank under the road of the adjacent development before discharging into an Anglian Water manhole.

The Committee were made aware that with regard to the boundary treatment, the details provided remained as before. However, the agent for the application had provided details to show the extent of the height and materials on each of the site boundaries, as well as confirming the retaining walls were on the applicant’s land and the design was a combination of steel king posts and concrete sleepers. Furthermore, they had clarified that no overlooking concerns were generated, and whilst the fencing height could be reduced to 2 metres, that in turn would have reduced the privacy to neighbouring properties to the rear.

Finally, Officers continued to consider that the changes would not result in a significant detrimental impact to the street scene or character/appearance of the surrounding area, and on balance the harm to neighbouring amenities was not considered so significant that a refusal reason was justified.

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 Senior Planning Officer (MP) in respect of the application.

An Officer Update Sheet had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting which informed the Committee as follows:-

“One letter of objection has been received from a local resident, with the following concerns outlined:

1. It is unacceptable to allow the re-levelling of the land, which is not safe given the current constructions on the plots;

2. Concerns that drainage issues to 133 Fronks Road will occur;

3. Future boundary maintenance that will be required by neighbouring plot owners to avoid risk of land slip; and

4. Loss of property values.

In response to these comments, points 1, 2 and 3 are addressed within the Committee report. Point 4 is not a material planning consideration so cannot be given any weight in the overall planning balance.”

There were no questions to Officers on this occasion.

It was moved by Councillor Smith, seconded by Councillor Alexander and:-

RESOLVED that:-

1)    the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 10.2 of the Officer report (A.3), or varied as is necessary to ensure the wording is enforceable, precise, and reasonable in all other respects, including appropriate updates, so long as the principle of the conditions as referenced is retained; and

2)    the sending to the applicant of the informative notes as may be deemed necessary.