The Planning Committee approved an application to build 8 houses on land off of Sutton Road in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The committee also discussed a proposal to introduce a new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and heard a presentation on the work of the Council's Planning Enforcement Team.

Application 23/00416/HYB | Land off of Sutton Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield

Councillors voted to approve an application to build eight houses on land off of Sutton Road in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

The application site, on land off of Sutton Road in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, currently comprises an area of overgrown former paddock land.

The applicant, Mr Walker, applied for outline planning permission for the erection of eight dwellings with all matters reserved except for access. The Council received two letters of objection from members of the public and a further objection from Councillor Samantha Deakin, who represents Kirkby-in-Ashfield on the Council. The Parish Council also objected to the application.

Councillor Deakin said:

I am very disappointed to see this application recommended for approval by officers. This site is an important green space.

She argued that the development would represent an overdevelopment of the site and would have a detrimental impact on the character of the surrounding area. She also argued that the development would lead to increased traffic on Sutton Road, which she said was already very busy.

In response, an agent for the applicant said:

The development will deliver 8 high quality family homes and represents a significant investment in the District.

The agent said that the development would be in keeping with the character of the surrounding area and that the traffic generated by the development would be minimal. He said that he believed there were very special circumstances that justified approving the application.

The planning officer said that they considered that the proposal was in accordance with the relevant policies of the Ashfield Local Plan Review, and recommended that the application be approved.

The committee voted 7-3 to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 Agreement to secure financial contributions towards affordable housing and open space.

Community Infrastructure Levy

The Committee received a report on the proposed Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The CIL is a charge that local authorities can choose to levy on new developments in their area. The money raised from the levy can then be used to fund infrastructure projects that support development in the area, such as new roads, schools, and community facilities.

The report set out the Council’s preferred option for the CIL, which was to charge a rate of £150 per square metre for residential development and £100 per square metre for all other types of development.

The report explained that the Council was required to produce a CIL Viability Assessment, which had identified an appropriate rate for the levy.

This evidence base is required to demonstrate that the proposed CIL rate will not stifle development or result in an unacceptable impact on viability, particularly in respect of the provision of affordable housing.

The committee noted the report and agreed to consult on the proposed CIL Charging Schedule.

Planning Enforcement Update

The Committee received a presentation on the work of the Council's Planning Enforcement Team.

The presentation provided an overview of the team's responsibilities, which include:

• Investigating allegations of unauthorised development
• Taking action to remedy breaches of planning control
• Providing pre-application advice to developers and members of the public

The presentation also highlighted some of the team's recent successes, such as the resolution of a long-standing enforcement case involving an unauthorised caravan site.

The committee thanked the Planning Enforcement Team for their work.