Mixed results for two separate Manea homes' plans at Fenland planning meeting
Concerns over flooding and an 'unduly cramped' layout has led to plans for three homes on a site on the outskirts of Manea being rejected.
But while last week's planning committee agreed with the officer's recommendation to refuse Fred Simpson's proposals to build on the former DRP Vehicles Services site at Fallow Corner, they did the opposite with another house application further along the road.
Councillors at Wednesday's meeting decided to approve an application by J Hawes to build a four bedroom house on land east of the family-owned Biggins Farm, Fallow Corner Drove, despite a recommendation to the contrary.
The plan was recommended for refusal because it is outside the village and according to officer's assessment there is "no essential/functional need for a dwelling in this location and as such the proposal would also fail in flood risk terms due to the lack of a sequential test.
A report to the meeting added: " In addition the scale of the proposal and flood risk mitigation measures resulting in an increase in ground levels of up to 1.7m results in a significant detrimental impact on the character and visual amenity of the area creating an incongruous and overly prominent feature in this open location."
There were two letters of objection to the plans but 15 in support of the application. Members decided to go against the officer recommendation and grant approval.
However, Mr Simpson's application, to build two three bedroom houses and one four bedroom involving the demolition of the existing building, failed with councillors backing officers who raised concerns over the site being in a flood zone 3 - an area at the highest risk of flooding.
A report to the meeting also suggested the development of three 'large' houses on the site would result in an "unduly cramped form of layout leading to inadequate parking, pedestrian access to the dwellings and poor levels of private amenity space for the future occupier of Plot 3."
Cambridgeshire Highways were also concerned and commented: "The applicant seeks too much development onto a small parcel of land. It would better to lose a plot in favour of being able to accommodate suitable parking and turning on site."
There were two letters of objection from the occupier of Amber Cottage, opposite the site, who was worried about numerous matters including loss of light, visual impact and devaluation of property.
However, Manea Parish Council had not objections to the plans, which Fenland councillors decided to refuse.