S/094/00132/24: View the Plans and documents online, please click on the Application Number.  (Please note: If viewing as a pdf document, this hyperlink is not available).

Applicant:                      Hockley Homes

Location:                       Deans Farm, Kirkby Lane, Kirkby on Bain

Recommendation:           Approval with Conditions

Officer:                          Jane Baker

Application Type:         Full Planning Permission

Proposal:                     Planning Permission - Erection of a detached dwelling with detached car port, erection of 3no. detached holiday lodges, alterations to existing workshop building, excavation of land to form 2no. ponds and provision of associated access and car parking.

Location:                      DEANS FARM, KIRKBY LANE, KIRKBY ON BAIN, LN10 6YZ

Applicant:                    Hockley Homes

Members received an application for Full Planning Permission - Erection of a detached dwelling with detached car port, erection of 3no. detached holiday lodges, alterations to existing workshop building, excavation of land to form 2no. ponds and provision of associated access and car parking at Deans Farm, Kirkby Lane, Kirkby on Bain, LN10 6YZ.

The proposed development contained a number of different elements including a dwelling to be considered under paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework (on the basis of an exceptional quality of design which would be sited in an isolated location and so be contrary to the housing policies of the Local Plan and therefore a departure from the development plan for the district.

The main planning issues were considered to be:

• Principle of development as a whole in this location having

regard to local and national policy.

• Impact on character of area.
• Impact on neighbours.
• Highway safety.
• Biodiversity.
• Flood risk and drainage.
• Impact on trees.
• Other matters.

Members were referred to the additional information contained on pages 1 to 2 of the Supplementary Agenda.  

Jane Baker, Senior Planning Officer, detailed site and surroundings information to Members at Paragraph 2, together with the description of the proposal at Paragraph 3, pages 31 to 33 of the report refer.

Ms Naomi Wright (Architect) spoke in support of the application.

Members were invited to put their questions to the speaker.

-      A Member queried how customers with limited mobility would access the properties as the parking was a distance away.  Ms Wright advised that there were two parking spaces closer to the accessible properties and also a level track with a ramp to all of the properties to assist with accessibility.

-      In response to a query on raising standards of design and whether the new proposed dwelling was considered as unique, Ms Wright commented that Paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) could be disputed and explained that their aim in raising standards of design was to make an impact with sustainability.

Ms Wright also responded to queries raised with regards to the round earth wall, advising that it was south facing to enable the sun to hit the wall and act as a thermal store, limiting the amount of energy spent on heating.

Following which, the application was opened for debate. 

-      Following a query with regards to whether a design review had taken place, Members were referred to the officer’s report, Paragraph 7.11 and 7.12 on pages 38 to 39 of the Agenda refer.

Following which, the application was Proposed and Seconded for approval in line with officer recommendation.

-      A Member commented that it was a delight to see natural material in the design instead of glass and concrete and would support the proposal.

-      A Member requested some clarification around raising standards of design and whether this was a national standard as he considered that the proposed design was not unique.   Following which it was queried whether a Design Review should be undertaken.

The Development Management Lead Officer advised Members that there was a policy in the Local Plan that lent itself to secure good design outcomes from development proposals at a national level and looked at raising the standards of design. There was also national design guidance which outlined the principles for good design and encouraged the use of a Design Review Panel, however this was not an essential requirement.

-      A Member highlighted that the proposal was a betterment compared to what currently existed on the site and would support the proposal.

Following which, the application was Proposed and Seconded for deferral to allow a Design Review Panel to take place and following a positive outcome to then provide the officers with delegated powers to approve the application.

Upon being put to the vote for deferral, Members voted as follows:

Vote:           3 In favour            9 Against              1 Abstention

Upon being put to the vote for approval, Members voted as follows:

Vote:         10 In favour            2 Against              1 Abstention 

RESOLVED:

That the application be approved subject to the following conditions: