Agenda item

To consider the planning applications contained in the list.

The Committee considered the applications in the *Plans List.

Note: *List previously circulated and attached to the minutes.

a)    23/01869/PIP - Permission in Principle for rural exception site for the erection of up to 7 self-build dwellings at Land and Buildings at NGR 271228 112150 (South of Shooting Lane), Chawleigh, Devon.

The Area Team Leader outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-

·       The Application was for permission in principle for the erection of up to 7 self-build dwellings located on the edge of the village of Chawleigh.

·       The self-build plots were where an individual purchased a plot of land and builds a house to live in.

·       The developer would provide a serviced plot which included electricity, gas, water supply, foul waste provisions and each individual would submit an application for their own individual design.

·       The original planning submission proposed up to 9 self-build plots but following concerns this had been reduced to 7.

·       The main issues raised were process and procedure; principle of development/sustainability; other matters (including issues raised in representations).

·       The application was for permission in principle to decide if the site was suitable looking at location, land use and amount of development.

·       The second stage of the application would be where details of the proposal were assessed.

·       A Section 106 agreement would be required.

·       The development of the site was for predominantly affordable or low-cost housing, including self-build housing to meet proven local need in rural areas.

·       Whilst affordable housing was identified through an up to date housing need survey, in the case of a self-build proposal, evidence of eligibility for shared ownership through “Help to Buy” or an equivalent scheme was possible with the Local Planning Authority having a statutory duty to provide self-build plots.

·       Each house would be occupied by at least one person with a strong local connection to the parish.

·       The site adjoined a settlement and was in a suitable location which took account of the potential for any visual impact and other relevant planning issues.

·       The type and scale of affordable or low-cost housing was appropriate to the proven need.

·       The affordable or low-cost housing would remain affordable for and available to local people in perpetuity, limited to no more than 80% of its market value upon resale.

·       Relevant authorities must give suitable development permission to enough suitable serviced plots of land to meet the demand for self-build and custom housebuilding in their area.  The level of demand was established by reference to the number of entries added to an authority’s register during a base period.

·       The Register identified specific demand for 5 Custom Self-Build plots within the Parish of Chawleigh and an additional 7 plots when taking into account register numbers across the adjoining parishes of Lampford, Nymet Rowland, Coldridge, Eggesford and Wembworthy.

·       Assessment of eligible purchasers against the criteria within Policy DM6 would need to take place at TDC stage once there is further clarity on the nature of the plots being provided and prospective plot purchasers.

Discussion took place regarding:-

·       Whether there was a demand for self-build plots?  It was explained that demand for affordable housing was evident from data by the Housing Needs Survey and Devon Homes Choices whereas need for self-build was through a statutory duty via the Self-Build and Custom House Building Register.

·       If the self-build plots were not sold what would happen?  It was explained that there would be an approval process to ensure the plots were marketed accordingly.  However, if they were not sold then there would be a process to look at alternative options.

·       Whether the land was Grade 3 Agricultural and if this affected the application?   The Committee were informed that Grade 3 land would not present a barrier to a residential development.

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission in principle be granted.

(Proposed by Cllr S Clist and seconded by Cllr F J Colthorpe)

Reason for the Decision – as set out in the report.

Notes:-

(i)              Cllr G DuChesne and Cllr M Jenkins voted against the application.

(ii)             Cllr B Holdman abstained from voting.

(iii)           Chris Burton spoke as the Agent.

(iv)           Cllr S Keable spoke as the Ward Member