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Agenda item

25/01717/FUL - Land West of Hatherop Road

Proposal

Erection of 98 dwellings

 

Case  Officer

Martin Perks

 

Ward Member

Cllr Michael Vann

 

Recommendation

PERMIT subject to no objection from Gloucestershire County Council Lead Local Flood Authority, completion of S106 legal agreement(s) covering affordable housing, custom/self-building housing, Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring, financial contribution to North Meadow and Clattinger Farm Special Area of Conservation, provision of public open space, access connection to field to west, financial contributions to library services, public transport and travel plan.

 

 

Minutes:

The proposal was for erection of 98 dwellings.

 

Case Officer: Martin Perks

Ward Members: Cllr Michael Vann

 

Original recommendation: PERMIT

The Chair invited the Case Officer to introduce the application.

  • The Officer explained that there was sufficient water supply capacity for up to 50 dwellings without reinforcement, with a condition restricting occupation above this until works were completed. For sewage infrastructure, a condition was recommended that no more than 87 dwellings should be occupied until capacity was in place, to be agreed with Thames Water, based on the fall back position of the 87 dwellings already permitted.
  • The Lead Local Flood Authority had raised no objection subject to conditions incorporated into the decision. The Case Officer requested delegated authority to amend a few conditions, such as access and a construction management plan.
  • The Case Officer shared maps, photographs including the Public Right of Way, Site and Elevation plans.

Public Speaker 1 – Fairford Town Council

Councillor Richard Harrison noted that the proposal aligned with the Fairford Neighbourhood Plan, would meet local housing needs sustainably, and offered improved housing mix and energy efficiency. He claimed that minor tree-planting concerns could be addressed via the Biodiversity Gain Plan, while sewage treatment capacity must prevent pollution or flooding.

Public Speaker 2 - Objector

Rod Hill raised concerns over sewage capacity, potential illumination of Lovers Lane, and insufficient car parking, particularly given school-related congestion. The increase from 86 to 98 dwellings was considered likely to worsen these issues.

Public Speaker 3 – Agent

Matthew Jeal highlighted the community engagement undertaken and noted that the site already had planning consent. The application proposed 11 additional units, including four affordable homes, along with an improved housing mix and footpath upgrades. He confirmed that conditions on foul and water connections, as well as additional tree planting along the northern boundary, were accepted. Upgrades to Lovers Lane and sensitive lighting would be carefully managed to protect bat habitats, and the proposal provided over 150 car parking spaces, meeting County Council standards.

Public Speaker 4 – Ward Member

Councillor Michael Vann noted that the site lay outside of the Conservation Area and the Cotswold National Landscape and was allocated for housing in the Fairford Neighbourhood Plan. He explained that the plan required connection to the sewer network only where capacity exists or is planned, and Thames Water had confirmed capacity for 50 dwellings now, with reinforcement works needed for additional units.

 

Members Questions

Members asked questions of the officers, which were responded to in the following way:

 

  • The Case Officer confirmed there was sufficient school capacity, with no education contribution required other than £19,208 for libraries. No issues had been raised by the NHS regarding GP capacity.
  • It was confirmed that the Environment Agency was not a statutory consultee; any discharge into watercourses would fall under their separate licensing and permit controls.
  • The Case Officer explained that assurances on upgrades rested with Thames Water under the Water Industry Act. The developer must secure agreement from Thames Water for connection, and if upgrades are delayed, occupation of the houses could not proceed as it would potentially conflict with building regulations.
  • The Case Officer explained that solar panels had not been proposed as the applicant was pursuing a “fabric first” approach, focusing on insulation and other thermal efficiency measures.
  • In response to concerns about parking capacity, the Case Officer confirmed that the scheme provided around 225 spaces.

 

Members comments

In discussing the application, Members made the following comments:

  • Members welcomed the developer’s comments about landscaping, noting that additional planting would enhance the approach into Fairford.
  • Concern was expressed about the lack of a response from the County Council on the impact on schools and queried whether the Town Council was confident that the local school and doctor’s surgery could cope with additional demand.
  • Support was given to ongoing engagement with Thames Water, highlighting the need for firm commitments to safeguard local infrastructure schemes.
  • Members commended the developer and Fairford Town Council for their cooperative and constructive approach.
  • Members recognised the strengths of the scheme, including its provision of smaller units and affordable housing.

 

Councillor David Fowles proposed accepting the Case Officer’s recommendations to ACCEPT the application with Delegated authority to amend conditions and Councillor Julia Judd seconded the proposal. This proposal was put to the vote and agreed by the Committee.

 

RESOLVED: to PERMIT the application subject to the completion of S106 legal agreement(s) covering affordable housing, custom/self-building housing, Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring, financial contribution to North Meadow and Clattinger Farm Special Area of Conservation, provision of public open space, access connection to field to west, financial contributions to library services, public transport and travel plan.

 

 

15:55 – 16:08 break

Supporting documents:

 

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