185 NEW HOMES
PLANS for 185 houses were decided at a meeting of the Derbyshire Dales District Council planning committee last week.
These included seven homes in Thurvaston Road, Marston Montgomery; 33 in Biggin View, Hulland Ward; 23 east of Les Ardennes, Hulland Ward; 75 in Main Road, Brailsford; and 47 in Luke Lane, Brailsford.
Seven houses in Thurvaston Road, Marston Montgomery: Council officer recommendation was approve – with conditions. Committee approved 9-1.
This saw the most debate of all on the night and would include two four-bed houses; three three-bed houses; and two two-bed bungalows.
Some residents felt this was not a fair mix of housing but officers said that it was a suitable mix, and bungalows are a welcome addition.
Council officers also said Marston Montgomery Primary School, adjacent to the proposed site, is undersubscribed.
Marston Montgomery Parish Council say that while this is a small number of houses, around 40 have been recently approved in the village, which represents a 30 per cent in housing growth – and overdevelopment.
The applicant, Craig Barnes, had previously applied to build 27 houses on the site, but reduced it to seven. Cllr Richard Fitzherbert said: “Something has to happen with this site and this is probably the least-worst choice. I know this will hurt but we have to do something positive.”
Cllr Tony Morley said: “I know we have to deal with some pain but this is a step too far.”
Cllr Dermot Murphy said the village school needs to be supported, and this application was a way to secure that.
33 houses at land adjacent to Biggin View, Hulland Ward: Recommendation: Approve. Committee decision: Approved. unanimously. Cllr Peter Birbeck, chairman of Hulland Ward Parish Council, said the authority was fully on board with the scheme, after alterations had been made. He had preferred that parking spaces for several houses to the south west of the site were moved closer to their respective homes to enable for electric car charging.
However, officers felt that there was no imperative – despite national planning guidance – to ensure every home had access to electric charging ports – it was merely “encouraged”.
The scheme would feature four one-bed houses; two two-bed bungalows; five two-bed houses; four three-bed houses; nine four-bed houses and nine five-bed houses.
It would also include eight “affordable” houses - two of them bungalows. This was waved through without debate. 23 houses at land east of Les Ardennes, Hulland Ward
Council officer recommendation: Refuse. Committee decision: Refused unanimously.
The site is opposite the Black
Horse and several gardens would face on to the pub.
Cllr Birbeck, of Hulland Ward Parish Council, said the nine houses to the left of the site need to be moved further back: “To have gardens that close to a road without a pavement presents a serious safety issue.”
Cllr Murphy said: “We have had another development in this village which had engaged with officers and worked with them to get the right project, I see no reason why this applicant cannot do the same.”
75 houses at land off Main Road, Brailsford:
Council officer recommendation: Approve – with conditions. Committee decision: Approved 9-1.
Derbyshire police’s force designing out crime officer said that an aspect of this application proved of a concern. It was thought the pedestrian footpath, which was to link the proposed site through the neighbouring housing estate, and onwards to Brailsford Primary School, could become a magnet for crime.
Cllr Sue Bull shared these concerns, especially because this linking footpath – one of two on the site – would be unlit. Principal planning officer Chris Whitmore said the second linking footpath, to the south of the site, would be lit.
The range in homes would include four two-bed houses; 15 three-bed houses; and 56 houses of four bedrooms or more.
One resident said that “the problem of pedestrian safety along the A52 has not gone away”.
Cllr Fitzherbert said: “This has been thoroughly investigated and discussed, unlike some other developments before us tonight.
“I have some concerns about the access road, but Derbyshire County Council highways are happy with it, so I am happy too.” 47 houses at land at Luke Lane/ Mercaston Lane, Brailsford: Council officer recommendation: Approve – with conditions. Committee decision: Approved unanimously. Cllr Susan Hobson was the only person to talk on this application, with no other debate. She said: “I am very happy that this applicant has shown the real value of making the most of preapplication advice, which clearly not everyone does.”
I know we have to deal with some pain but this is a step too far. Councillor Tony Morley