Agenda item

Single Self Build Dwelling (BNG exempt). (Additional Information received 11 October 2024 - Design and Access Statement, Heritage Statement, Tree Survey, Sustainable Construction checklist) (Amended site plan relocating dwelling and additional information received 29 November 2024).

The committee considered planning application P24/V2077/FUL:

Single Self Build Dwelling (BNG exempt). (Additional Information received 11 October 2024 - Design and Access Statement, Heritage Statement, Tree Survey, Sustainable Construction checklist) (Amended site plan relocating dwelling and additional information received 29 November 2024).

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance, and the site’s planning history, were detailed in the officer’s report, which formed part of the agenda pack for the meeting.

The planning officer presented the report to members. 

The planning officer confirmed that the application was called in for decision by committee at the request of ward Councillor Sarah James. The application is for a new dwelling on land formerly used as a Bowling Green in East Hanney, located behind the former Plough public house. The site, within a conservation area and surrounded by listed buildings, was previously intended to retain the Bowling Green and build a new club house, as part of the development proposals for the Plough

The proposed dwelling is centrally located on the site, with access from Orchard Lane, parking at the front, and a garden at the rear. The design features a series of joined barns in an L-shape, varying between single and one-and-a-half storeys. The dwelling's position was adjusted during the application process to be further from the southern boundary.

Photographs of the site show its current state and surrounding context, including views towards the old Chapel, Chapel House, Chantry Cottage, and Yard House.

A bowls need assessment concluded that the Bowling Green was surplus to requirements, with sufficient capacity at other clubs to meet current and future demand. This aligns with the Council's updated leisure facility assessment and strategy, which did not identify East Hanney's Bowling Green as necessary.

The design and scale of the proposed dwelling were considered appropriate for the context. While the building would reduce the site's openness and contribute less to the conservation area, this harm was deemed less than substantial. The public benefits, including new housing and self-build housing, were considered to outweigh the low level of harm.

No significant impacts on neighbour amenity or highway safety were identified, and no technical matters preventing granting permission. The application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions outlined in the report.

Recommendation to approve subject to conditions.

Ward member Councillor Sarah James spoke on the application.

Members discussed the application, acknowledging the challenges of losing pubs in villages and the resulting changes to the landscape. They noted that, from their perspective and experience the proposed dwelling fit extremely well within the site. Members appreciated the time and effort invested in ensuring the proposal balanced acceptance within the community and the conservation area.

A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to approve planning application P24/V2077/FUL subject to the following conditions:

Standard

1. Commencement 3 yrs - Full Planning Permission

2. Approved plans

Pre-commencement

3. Drainage Details (surface water)

4. Schedule of Materials

Vale of White Horse District Council – Planning Committee – 22 January 2025

5. Landscaping scheme

6. Boundary details

7. Car parking and turning plan

Pre-slab level

8. Ecological enhancements – bird and bat boxes

Pre-occupation

9. Bicycle storage

Compliance

10.Obscured glazing to rooflight on south elevation

11.Removal permitted development rights for alterations and

extensions – Classes A, B C

12.Removal permitted development rights for outbuildings – Class E