The Parish Council had no objections to the following applications: 08/00631/FUL – Construction of vehicular access to cover entire frontage of property - 4 Crouch Green, Castle Hedingham; 08/00462/COU – Change of use to domestic garden - The Orchard, Rushley Green Castle Hedingham; 08/00749/TPOCON – Carry out works to trees - Walton Elm, Pottery Lane, Castle Hedingham; 08/00618/TPOCON – Carry out works to trees - Nestledown, Pottery Lane, Castle Hedingham and, 08/00735/FUL – Construction of roof to create car port over forecourt -Hollybush Cottage, 8 Crown Street, Castle Hedingham.
Application 08/00439/FUL – Extension and conversion of existing garage outbuilding to ancillary living accommodation - Rushley Green Farm, Rushley Green, Castle Hedingham -The Parish Council still have the concerns they raised in relation to a previous similar application:08/00047/FUL – Conversion of existing garage including demolition and construction to provide ancillary accommodation. The Parish Council consider this is in essence another separate dwelling on this site (rather than “ancillary accommodation”) and surely the application must be considered in this light. The Parish Council would also like clarification as to whether this additional accommodation is for domestic or commercial use.
Application 08/00444/FUL- Erection of replacement chicken shed - Little Lodge Farm, Sudbury road, Castle Hedingham -No objections provided that smell and disposal of waste do not have a detrimental impact on neighbouring properties, chickens are kept in humane conditions and conform to all existing guidelines and rules for chicken production.”The Parish Council supported a previous application on this site (07/01506/FUL - Erection of new dwelling on part of garden of existing dwelling) which was for a more modest and sympathetic development positioned in line with 13 Bayley Street in the centre of the plot. The Parish Council strongly objected to application 08/00233/FUL submitted in February for this site. This application was withdrawn and Councillors do not consider that this new application varies greatly from the previous application showing only a modest reduction in height the impact of which is hard to judge as the drawings are not to scale. The Parish Council therefore continues to strongly object to this development’s position on the plot, unsympathetic design and overbearing height.
The Parish Council also strongly objects to the application on the following grounds:
1. Impact on Conservation Area – This development does not enhance the conservation area and is contrary to RLP 95. Its poor uninspired design and urbanisation of a historic open space is contrary to RLP3.
2. Proximity to Neighbouring Property – The proposed property is too close to existing Number 1 Castle Lane and is an invasion of their privacy. The Council believes that there will be severe loss of light to Number 1 Castle Lane.
3. Drainage – The Parish Council has concerns about surface drainage in an area that has experienced flooding in the past. This development could have a detrimental impact on Castle Lane and Falcon Square in this respect.
4. Impact on Listed Buildings – The development is detrimental to the environment of listed buildings in Castle Lane (two grade two thatched cottages) and a grade one Castle. This plot has been a open space/garden since the map of Armyse’s 1592.
5. Access and Egress – The Parish Council maintain access should be from Bayley Street. The proposed access and egress onto Castle Lane entails the destruction of an ancient hedge of some significance and would endanger pedestrians as there is no pavement.
6. Village Design Statement – The application is contrary to the Parish’s Village Design Statement (currently under consideration by Braintree District Council’s planning department) which was compiled in consultation with parishioners. It states:
1. infill developments should be modest in proportions and in scale with surrounding properties. They should not dominate their surroundings.
2. careful consideration should be given to the impact of construction on views across the village particularly those of the Castle and other historically important buildings.
7. Archaeological Investigation – The Parish Council requests an archaeological investigation takes place prior to the commencement of any approved works.
The Parish Council would also like to draw District Councillors’ attention to the fact that the applicant owns five out of the eight properties in Castle Lane. Councillors should also be aware that a planning application for the nearby Youth Hostel has been refused by Braintree District Council and is the subject of an appeal. It is also almost certain that there will be further developments on the adjacent Tills V Smith garage site. This would be a massive amount of development in this area at the heart of the village’s conservation area
Meeting Dates
Parish Council: Wednesday 14th May, Wednesday 4th June 7.45 p.m. in Castle Hedingham Club, Church Lane, Castle Hedingham.
Annual Meeting: Monday 19th May 2008 starting at 8.00 pm in the Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Castle Hedingham.
N.B. For further information about this press release please contact the clerk (Mrs. Helena Carter, 01787 461149) after 6:00pm, or Parish Council Chairman Mrs. Sonia Allfrey, 01787-461108.