Agenda item

To determine the application.

Alan Davies presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Matthew Hall, the agent. Mr Hall made the point that this site already has an extant planning approval for a larger dwelling and garage that was approved by committee in April 2023, which was also recommended for refusal by officers. He stated that this application is for two smaller dwellings for the applicant’s two sons who are looking to build their own properties, they are from March and it will allow them to stay in March being in rented accommodation currently and both sons work in the family business as builders, with the business having yards at Whittlesey Road, March and Eastwood End, Wimblington.

Mr Hall referred to the history of the site in the officer’s report, with there being an application at this site for a pair of properties refused but, in his view, this application is materially different from that, which was for semi-detached properties with one access, and matches in better with the larger development to the east. He made the point this proposal is two detached properties, single access with parking at the side, larger gardens and they are trying to match in with the adjacent built out development.

Mr Hall expressed the view that the extant approval on the site of bespoke design does not match in with that character of the area and they have tried to match in with the area with smaller properties. He stated that as was seen on the photos all along the front of the site to the bypass and back right into the centre of March there is a footpath linking this site and the surrounding sites altogether.

Mr Hall referred to the report mentioning intensification of this site compared to the current approval, however, the current approval for a large dwelling and garage gives a roof area of 160 square metres but this proposal for 2 smaller properties gives a roof area, including the porch, of 156 square metres so there is less floor and roof area. He stated that since that first application was refused all along the opposite side of this road 55 dwellings have been approved, which is being built out and with the site where it is they would be happy to accept a landscaping condition and they can also provide some biodiversity features for the site.

Mr Hall made the point that earlier at this committee there have been caravans in Flood Zone 3 approved and previously in Wisbech next to a major river that had an historical approval on and this site has a current approval on it. He stated that there have been no objections from any members of the public, no technical objections, this proposal is for smaller properties, there is material change and there is an extant approval on this site, which is being looked at to vary.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Marks remembers approving the last application on this site and moving from one to two he feels makes minimal impact and is probably better land usage.

·         Councillor Benney made the point that the site could be built on today so feels that one or two makes no difference. He expressed the view that something smaller provides more homes for people and feels it will improve the street scene by having two, which is more in keeping with the area.

·         Councillor Connor agreed, he thinks it will improve the street scene and it is more in keeping with the properties further along the road and opposite.

·         Councillor Imafidon feels it is important to note that it is going to house local families in the area and keep them closer to their business. Matthew Leigh made the point that this is not a material consideration.

Proposed by Councillor Marks, seconded by Councillor Imafidon and agreed that the application be GRANTED against the officer’s recommendation, with authority delegated to officers to apply conditions.

Members do not support officer’s recommendation of refusal of planning permission as they feel the visual relationship clearance between sites is subjective, the design and scale of the properties would not adversely impact the street scene as it would match what is existing and in relation to Flood Zone 3 permission already exists for development on this site.

(Councillor Benney declared that the agent has undertaken work for Chatteris Town Council and himself personally, but he is not pre-determined and will consider the application with an open mind)

(Councillor Mrs French declared, in accordance with Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that she is a member of March Town Council but takes no part in planning. She further declared that the applicant is one of the sponsors for March events and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon)

(Councillor Imafidon declared that the agent has undertaken work for him personally, but he is not pre-determined and will consider the application with an open mind)