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Speculative bid for 9 houses in March kicked into touch by Fenland councillors
‘It’s not in March neighbourhood plan’
A bid to win consent for nine homes at Brownlows Yard at 400 Creek Road, March, has failed. Fenland District Council planning committee backed their officers recommendation to refuse the application by Mick Brownlow and Nancy Davies.
The couple had applied for an ‘in principle’ decision to build the homes there.
March town council had backed the application, but Cllr Jan French told the committee yesterday (Wednesday) that the March neighbourhood plan was firmly against further housing in March North.
“I totally agree with the officers with regard to surface water flooding,” she said outlining her objections. “That is part of my county council division, and I know the site very well.
Housing rejected for Brownlows Yard in Creek Road, March: within the brownfield land, there are commercial buildings and land being used for the storage of commercial and building materials, vehicles, and a caravan. PHOTO: John Elworthy
She said the area had a long history of flooding and further along there is a field that is constantly flooding.
“There’s a ditch in front that was pouring over into the road so there is a surface water flooding there,” she said.
She said March North did not have the infrastructure to cope with extra houses.
Cllr French said other applications had been submitted for the area “and I can see if this application is approved we’re going to end up with a complete estate down there.
“It’s not in March neighbourhood plan – when we did the plan we specifically said because of the infrastructure in March North it cannot take any more”.
Officers advised that the “development would be located within an area of high and medium risk of surface water flooding”.
They also recommended refusal because of the “impacts on the character and appearance of the area” and because building homes there fail the sequential test. In other words, Mr Brownlow hadn’t explored possible alternative sites.
“It is therefore considered that the location and land use of the proposed development are not acceptable,” they told the committee.
“During the course of the application, the officers have provided the agent with the opportunity to explore alternative options for the site which would avoid siting development within the area of high and medium risk of surface water flooding, such as relocating the proposed access.
“However, the agent has confirmed that they wish to proceed with the current proposal.
“In view of the unresolved flood risk and associated conflicts with the development plan, the application is recommended for refusal.”
The committee decided unanimously to refuse the application.
