Planning inspector rejects appeal over plans to demolish former March mayors' home

A March charity's plan to earn cash with the development of a benefactor's former home has been dashed after a planning inspector rejected an appeal.

March Educational Foundation had hoped the planning inspector would overturn a decision by Fenland District Council's planning committee last November to refuse plans to build 41 flats and four houses on the site of the home of former March mayors George and Patsy Brewin.

However, the appeal was rejected this week by planning inspector Zoe Raygen, who decided that claims the development at Brewin Oaks, City Road, would not have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area.

But was not convinced the proposed development would secure the appropriate level of affordable housing or the financial contribution required for the necessary infrastructure including education, libraries and open space because no Section 106 agreement had been agreed.

In her report Ms Raygen said: "The evidence before me shows that existing primary schools and early years provision facilities are at capacity, and the proposed development would increase demand for places. On that basis, Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) as Education Authority has requested a contribution in total of £408,500."

In addition the county council had also asked for £10,010 to remodel the town's library to cater for the expected number of future residents of the appeal site."

Fenland's housing enabling officer wanted 25 per cent of the proposed homes to be affordable - eight rented and three intermediate tenure.

However, Ms Raygen said: "There has been no S106 agreement submitted to secure the infrastructure and affordable housing requirements. Nor has any viability assessment been submitted in support of any challenge by the appellant to the required provision."

She said consequently she had considered whether the necessary S106 contributions and affordable homes could be secured by planning conditions.

But concluded: "I have had regard to the advice in the Planning Practice Guidance on this. It confirms that ensuring that any planning obligation or other agreement is entered into prior to granting planning permission is the best way to deliver sufficient certainty for all parties about what is being agreed."

She was not convinced there was any reason why an agreement could not be decided ahead of planning permission.

Ms Raygen said: "Therefore I conclude that the proposal would fail to secure the appropriate level of affordable housing on the appeal site or infrastructure with regard to education, libraries and Public Open Space."

Adding it would therefore be in conflict with planning policies included in the local plan.

George and Patsy were childless and when she died five years ago, she bequeathed her home for the benefit of future generations of the town's young people.

Her will wanted the money to go the March Educational Foundation to support students going to university - particularly the Red Brick universities such as Cambridge and Warwick.

However, the foundation's planning application sparked massive opposition from March residents concerned about the "Brewin legacy" as well as concern over traffic generated by the new homes.

Town councillor Jan French spoke at November's planning committee to highlight a host of reasons why the application, which was recommended for approval by officers, be rejected.

The debate lasted 40 minutes before members finally agreed to refuse the application.