Planning & Development Committee – 15th September 2021

Location

Proposal

Application No. and link to CBC planning website

Object / Support / Observations

Decision or Recommendation

Comments made by Planning Committee

30 New Church Road,
West Bergholt,
CO6 3JE

Demolition of existing detached house and erection of 2 No. detached dwellings.

212257

Object

Decision

Comment submitted via email to Planning Officer Lucy Mondon 25th Aug 2021:

The Parish Council remains of the view that the new application is contrary to our adopted Neighbourhood Plan, Village Design Statement and CBC Policies.

We have noted the changes from the previous application, unfortunately, they still fall short of addressing our concerns. The proposal by virtue of its size, scale, and height together with its position on the site in relation to its boundaries and adjacent development would result in a cramped urban form of development, this being detriment of the street scene and out of keeping with the prevailing character of New Church Road, which is a semi-rural lane in the heart of our village, principally because of the Heath, the Church and the Allotments.

Again, the Parish Council laments the pre-emptive clearance of 90% of the mature trees and other shrubs prior to any planning application. The community looked on aghast at the complete destruction of local biodiversity habitats which are completely unprotected, and which suggest that no public authority could quite frankly care less! The removal of 16 no. mature trees as stated by the arboriculturist just to “allow redevelopment” is unacceptable to the Parish Council, also the land shown outlined in blue on the site plan is clearly potentially reserved for further development in Mumford Close, having, also been cleared of trees and wildlife, but is currently landlocked and becoming overgrown.

The proposed development for 2 no. detached dwellings would be contrary to adopted Local Plan Policies UR2 and DP1 and the Council’s Backland and Infill Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The proposed development is therefore contrary to Core Strategy Policy ENV1 and Development Plan Policy DP1 which seek to conserve and enhance Colchester’s natural and historic environment, countryside and coastline, as well as respect and enhance the character of the site.

The site deserves better, a less urban style of architecture than is proposed and consistent with the mix of local housing and styles. The Parish Council understands the need to redevelop the site and does not object to this, but considers it only suitable for a single dwelling, respecting the existing heights and depths of adjacent buildings. The application is overdevelopment.

The application is contrary to the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan (in particular policy PP10) and the West Bergholt Village Design Statement, both these documents having been adopted as supplementary planning guidance by Colchester Borough Council and are all available on the Parish Council’s website.

The submitted street scene also clearly shows a cramped overdevelopment, the Parish Council wishes to question the height of the bungalow at 28 New Church Road, it appears to be 700mm lower than as shown on the drawings? The site is suitable for a single dwelling as previous (now derelict having had the roof removed and is left open to the elements) or maybe at best a pair of smaller semidetached houses (as adjacent) with a 2.5m spacing from the boundary generally in keeping with other adjacent properties in New Church Road, and the existing urban grain. Possibly with a garage each side with one external parking space in tandem. This would help retain the very rural nature of New Church Road.

The new application has paid little regard to previous Parish Council and neighbours’ comments. The new parking arrangements will result in line of 4 cars all needing to manoeuvre in front of the adjacent properties. This is contrary to Village Design Statement DG35: New parking directly in front of a property should be avoided.

The applicant has never made any effort for discussion with West Bergholt Parish Council. We consider that there is scope for a single dwelling, shallow in depth so not to infringe the light to the properties at 28 and 32 New Church Road.

Village Design Statement:

• DG2: Where it is a planning issue any remaining hedgerows, native trees and small copses should be retained in the new landscape plans.
• DG3: General Design – all proposed new build and extensions must enhance the area and make a positive architectural contribution.
• DG10: Any infill development should reflect the character of the surrounding area and protect the amenity of neighbours. It should reinforce the uniformity of the street by reflecting the scale, mass, height, form, materials, fenestration and architectural details of its neighbours.
• DG11: The width of new building plots should be similar to that prevailing in the immediate area.
• DG15: Infill – developments should be modest in proportion and in scale with surrounding properties. They should not dominate. Their architectural style and finishes should be compatible and vernacular. Any infill should comply with Infill SPD.
• DG18: Development undertaken should be in keeping with the planned nature of existing buildings.
• DG28: There should be no unacceptable adverse impact upon the amenities of adjoining residential properties. Wherever possible mature trees and shrubs should be conserved.
• DG29: New buildings, in any area, should respect the scale and design of adjacent buildings. Extensions should be subservient to the original building.
• DG35: New parking directly in front of property should be avoided.

West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan:

• PP10: Design: All new development should be of a high-quality design and sustainable construction is encouraged. Account should be taken of the guidance and principles in the Village Design Statement, which seeks to promote or reinforce local distinctiveness. In particular new development and any additions or extensions to existing dwellings will be expected to:
  • Have an acceptable visual impact on the valley sides; and
  • Give careful consideration to mitigating the impact on views across the village; and
  • Buildings must respect the character of and be in harmony with their surroundings in respect of plot width, layout, building lines, materials, height, proportion, scale and massing.

Land adj. Rosaville,
White Hart Lane,
CO6 3DB

Outline permission with all matters reserved for a detached dwelling and double garage.

212293

Object

Decision

West Bergholt Parish Council cannot support and recommends refusal of the new building as it is outside the village settlement limits and is contrary to CBC-approved West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, as supported by 94% of parish voters, and therefore within the countryside.

St Andrews,
Chapel Lane,
West Bergholt,
CO6 3EG

Demolition and rebuilding of garage. Fenestration alterations and additions. Rear conservatory and covered way. Extension of raised decking.

212442

Support

Decision

Cllr Smith re-declared an interest at this point and took no further part in the decision making.

The Parish Council has no comment.

11 Firmins Court,
West Bergholt,
CO6 3BQ

Single Storey rear and side extension and internal alterations.

212416

Support

Decision

The Parish Council has no comment.

3 Firmins Court,
West Bergholt,
CO6 3

Single-storey front extension.

212444

Support

Recommendation

The Parish Council has no comment.

West Bergholt PC Decision Date

WBPC Decision

Application No.
and link to CBC planning website

Location

Proposal

CBC/Appeal Decision Date

CBC/Appeal Decision

Appeal Pending

15/07/2020

Observation

201280

Land adjacent to 1 Whitehouse Cottages,
Bourne Road,
CO6 3EW

Erection of one attached dwelling.

18/08/2020

Refused

16/07

19/08/2020

Object

201642

155 Colchester Road, West Bergholt,
CO6 3JX

Outline application for
erection of two dwellings, complete with access and parking.

29/09/20

Refused

05/07

19/08/2020

Object

201472

Barton Olivers,
181 Colchester Road,
West Bergholt,
CO6 3JY

Construction of new
detached two-storey house with garage, drive and new access.

11/11/20

Refused

16/07

16/07/21

Support

212006

Fordham Place, Bergholt Road, Fordham, CO6 3NU

Application to determine if prior approval is required for proposed excavation of reservoir for agricultural irrigation purposes with access track. (211291 previously withdrawn)

13/08/21

Prior Approval Required (Approved)

21/07/21

Support

211932

2 The Retreat

Proposed first floor rear extension.

27/08/21

Approved

N/A

18/08/21

Support

212126

42 Pirie Road

Demolition of existing conservatory and lean to roof, replaced by new rear and side extension.

30/08/21

Approved

21/07/21

Support

211894

Highfield Farm

Amendments to consented scheme 191917: – Revised Entrance Hall to incorporate oak frame gable end – Slightly enlarged Entrance Hall / utility Room / Study and revised internal layout of. – Omitting rooflights to Entrance Hall – Omitting windows

31/08/21

Approved

21/07/21

Support

211895

Highfield Farm

Amendments to consented scheme 191917: – Revised Entrance Hall to incorporate oak frame gable end – Slightly enlarged Entrance Hall / utility Room / Study and revised internal layout of. – Omitting rooflights to Entrance Hall – Omitting windows (Listed building)

31/08/21

Approved

18/08/21

Object

212042

Land south of Cooks Hall Road

Outline application for the erection of single dwelling.

15/09/21

Refused

18/08/21

Object

211967

89 Chapel Road

Application for variation of condition 2 following grant of planning permission 191984 – substitution of approved drawings.

O/S

18/08/21

Support

211999

Pond Cottage, Fordham Road

Demolition of existing cottage and erection of replacement 1.5 storey 4-bedroom dwelling.

O/S

18/08/21

Support

212209

Clare House, 47 Lexden Road

Proposed car port and garden room.

O/S

18/08/21

Object

212232

31 Lexden Road

Two-storey side extension and two-storey and single-storey rear extensions.

O/S

21/07/21

Support

211838

1 Armoury Road

Two storey front extension.

O/S

17/2/21

Object

210192

16 Newbridge Hill

Part first floor and two storey front extension.

O/S

20/1/21

Support

201686

Land south of WB Cricket Club, Colchester Rd, WB

Outline application for up to 18 dwellings with access to be determined and all other matters reserved. (AMENDED PLANS)

O/S

16/09/20

Support

201925

Land adjacent,
12 Colchester Road, WB

Outline application for up to 7 dwellings with access determined and all other matters reserved.

O/S