Agenda item

To determine the application.

Nikki Carter presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Lee Bevens, the agent. Mr Bevens stated he is glad the scheme is being recommended for approval and he has worked closely with the case officer to achieve a scheme that is acceptable. He explained that this scheme was similar to one approved in outline in April 2022 and the proposal for two bungalows on site follows the principle of the consented outline application scheme but more detail has been included in this full application with the designs taking some reference from the adjacent bungalows with good quality materials proposed and additional soft landscaping to improve the biodiversity on the site.

Mr Bevens expressed the view that the proposed two bungalows and attached garages ensure that no significant overlooking or overshadowing is created between the dwellings or adjacent dwellings, with en-suite windows having obscure glazing where they are located on the driveway side. He expressed the opinion that the bungalows have a good level of private amenity and are well set back from Wype Road which is in keeping with the adjacent development previously completed by the applicant with each plot sitting fairly centrally.

Mr Bevens stated that the highway design, together with the position of the access, sight lines and footpath provision, was discussed at some length with the highways officer to ensure consistency with the adjacent bungalows and maintaining pedestrian and vehicle safety. He expressed the opinion that they were advised that a 1.2 metre footpath inside the proposed new hedge planting would be acceptable and this still offers connection back in the north west direction into Eastrea village and there is nothing on the south eastern boundary so there is not a need to extend the footpath any further than indicated.

Mr Bevens stated that the case officer has confirmed the scheme is acceptable noting that it complies with the relevant policies of the Fenland Local Plan 2014 and the applicant is happy with the proposed conditions. He requested that members support the officer’s recommendation.

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

·       Councillor Sutton stated that he remembers this coming before committee previously when it was granted against officer’s recommendation and he voted against it as, in his view, it was too far out of the village.  However, it was democratically approved and he cannot see any problems why this now cannot be granted.

·       Councillor Mrs French agreed with Councilor Sutton but asked officers to clarify the situation with regards to the footpath as she is aware that the Town Council objected previously. Nikki Carter explained that the 1.2 metre footpath on the inside of the hedge has been deemed to be acceptable as it was included on the previous approval.

Proposed by Councillor Sutton, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be APPROVED as per officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Miscandlon declared that he is Chairman of Whittlesey Town Council’s Planning Committee and took no part in the discussion and voting thereon)