Agenda item

To determine the application.

Nick Thrower presented the report to Members.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, from Shanna Jackson, the Agent.

Mrs Jackson stated that the proposal is for the construction of a new dwelling on land that is currently occupied by an existing outbuilding, with it being used, pre-Covid, as a gym by the applicant and he would travel on a daily basis from his house in Wimblington. She expressed the view that the proposal site is in the built-up settlement of March where the principles of development are supported by the policies in the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

Mrs Jackson explained that the site is located in the town centre where residents will have the opportunity to walk or cycle to the amenities in the market town and, therefore, it represents sustainable development which should be seen as a significant benefit as it will result in new housing in a town centre location. She added that concerns have been raised with regard to the appearance of the development and the impact on the character of the area, however, the proposal represents residential development in a residential location and, therefore, in principle would appear to conform with its surroundings.

Mrs Jackson added that there are many existing structures positioned to the rear of the existing dwellings and, therefore, the dwelling would not look out of place, making the point that the proposal has been specifically designed to be three quarter style in order to have less of a visual impact, so that it does not compete with the other two storey dwellings in the area. She explained that, following the survey work carried out on site, it was noted that a small bin collection lorry could access the site, which already services the neighbouring properties to collect the refuse and recycling bins and she added that with this in mind there is no need for future residents to drag a wheelie bin for collection.

Mrs Jackson referred to some concerns that have been raised with regard to parking and highways safety and made the point that the highway authority have raised no objection to the proposal on technical grounds and the parking spaces have been set back to allow for a six metre clearance from the other side of the road and measure 2.55 metres, with this arrangement being accepted across the board and is the same arrangement that is found in supermarkets. She expressed the view that the point raised with regard to increased traffic as being unreasonable, given that the site is already frequented by the applicant and is an area which is already trafficked by existing users, with the traffic generated by the existing gym being offset by the dwelling and the vehicular movements will be easily absorbed into the existing situation and the Highway Authority have raised no issue.

Mrs Jackson stated that there are no technical objections to the development, there is community support for the proposal and the application is a sustainable form of development which represents a benefit to the area by introducing a new dwelling in a town centre location and she asked members to consider approval of the application.

Members asked Shanna Jackson, the following questions:

·         Councillor Mrs French asked whether the road is a public right of way? Mrs Jackson stated she is not sure that it is an official public right of way, although it is used by residents. Councillor Mrs French stated that she noted from the officer’s presentation that it showed a number of parked vehicles at the top and she asked whether the piece of land was in general use for the residents of Creek Road or is it residents land which backs onto Nene Parade. Mrs Jackson stated that she is aware that residents along Creek Road do use the access, but she cannot confirm whether they are their vehicles. Councillor Mrs French stated that is an important factor to consider because should the application be approved it may restrict other people from parking. Mrs Jackson stated that the land in question is owned by the applicant and, therefore, he would have control over the land, making the point that it is not an official parking space.

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

·         Councillor Mrs French stated that the proposal site is in Flood Zone 1 and she referred to the flooding episode in December 2020. She expressed the view that as the proposal site backs onto Nene Parade she has concerns over the noise disturbance and vibration of building the property as Nene Parade is falling into the river and the Highway Authority along with the County Council have to spend a significant amount of money in order to protect it. Councillor Mrs French stated that she is also taking into consideration the residents’ concerns.

·         Councillor Miscandlon stated that he has noticed from the presentation that the piece of land is grossly overgrown and in a dilapidated state, and he cannot see it used as a parking space. He added that the officers have made the correct recommendation and expressed the view that the owner of the land should be looking to tidy his piece of land up as it is an eyesore.

·         Councillor Mrs French stated that she agrees with the comments made by Councillor Miscandlon and added that she is surprised that there have been no complaints from the residents. She added that the Council do have the authority to serve a notice on the landowner to request that the area is tidied up. Councillor Mrs French reiterated her concerns over Nene Parade road falling into the river and added that the issue has been ongoing since a burst pipe in November. She expressed the opinion that the officers have made the correct recommendation.

·         Councillor Mrs Davis expressed the view that she does not believe that the dilapidated building is being used as a gym. She added her main concern is the dog leg in the road and access for emergency vehicles, which could be an issue. Councillor Mrs Davis stated that she will support the officer’s recommendation.

·         Councillor Sutton stated that should the application be approved; he cannot foresee any issue that the building works would impact on the ongoing problems in Nene Parade. He expressed the view that if approved, a precedent would be set and, in his opinion, a further 3 or 4 dwellings could be built on the site. Councillor Sutton expressed the view that it needs to be recognised that there are some locations which are just not developable, and, in his opinion, this is one of them. He added the only way to turn around is in somebody’s driveway as access is so tight and he expressed the opinion that officers have made the correct recommendation and he will be supporting them.

·         Councillor Purser stated that he agrees with the concerns raised by Councillor Mrs French with regard to Nene Parade and stated that the lane is not wide enough for emergency vehicles to access should the need arise and he will support the officer’s recommendation.

Proposed by Councillor Miscandlon, seconded by Councillor Mrs Davis and agreed that the application be REFUSED as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillors Mrs French and Purser registered that they are members of March Town Council, but take no part in planning matters)

(Councillor Mrs Mayor took no part in the debate or voting on this item due to having lost internet connection)