Agenda item

(Site Visit: 9.20am – 9.35am)

The Committee considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive, following a site visit prior to the meeting, which sought full planning permission for a proposed residential development of four new dwellings for the over 55’s market.  This application also included the change of use of the Grade II listed Threshing Barn, (from an annex for the farmhouse to an independent dwelling).  The rear barn, which is currently used for storage, was proposed to be converted into an annex to the Threshing Barn dwelling.

A schedule of communication was tabled at the meeting, which detailed correspondence received after the agenda was published from a neighbouring party.

Councillor Mrs L Shelby, representing Farnsfield Parish Council spoke against the application in accordance with the views of Farnsfield Parish Council as contained within the report. 

Councillor B Laughton, adjoining Ward Member for Southwell, spoke against the application and stated that there had been ninety eight letters of objection and only two letters of support for this development.  The application was contrary to the Neighbourhood Plan.  One of the local residents had flooded on two occasions with sewage, which was considered a significant problem within Farnsfield.  There were also issues with the school catchment area.  Existing traffic issues and the relationship with the proposed access was considered extremely dangerous and on street car parking also exacerbated the traffic problem.  The access from the front of the development would ruin the vista of Old Manor Farm and was against Core Policy 14 – Historic Environment.  The site would set a precedent regarding back land development.  The removal of the trees was not acceptable and contributed to the whole ambience in that area.  Councillor Laughton supported Farnsfield Parish Council in their objection to the application, which had been a unanimous decision.

Members considered the application and felt that there was already a traffic problem within Farnsfield and the access/egress to this site was horrendous.  Notwithstanding this Members noted the Highway Authority was not objecting to the proposals.  The Threshing Barn and Annex was questioned, the annex being larger than a large house.  The over 55’s age category was discussed and it was felt that the age of 55 was not old and Members could not see the benefit of semi-detached properties for that age category.  The loss of trees would be detrimental to the environment and there was too much back land development for the site.  The impact from this development on the neighbouring property ‘Fielding’ was considered too detrimental.

AGREED (with 12 votes for and 1 abstention) that contrary to Officer recommendation full planning permission be refused for the following reasons:

(i)         Over intensive back land development which harms the character and appearance of the Conservation area and impacts on the amenity of surrounding properties;

(ii)        Impact of the removal of trees on the character of the Conservation Area; and

(iii)       Contrary to the Development Plan policies including policies within the Farnsfield Neighbourhood Plan.