Land East Of Myjoy Woodhill Road Sandon Chelmsford Essex

Application Details

Applicant & Agent

Planning Application Dates

Planning Decision

Why it was refused

1. 1.Reason 1 The policies contained in Chapter 4 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (August 2026) seek to meet development needs through promoting sustainable patterns of development which includes, amongst other matters, limiting development away from settlements to help safeguard the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside. This is achieved by allowing the certain forms of development outside settlements as set out in Policy S5(1) of the NPPF. Strategic Policy S11 of the Chelmsford Local Plan states that the intrinsic character and beauty of the rural area outside of the Green Belt, and not designated as the Green Wedge, will be recognised, assessed and development will be permitted where it would not adversely impact on its identified character and beauty. Policy DM8 of the Chelmsford Local relates to new building and structures in the Rural Area and states permission will be granted subject to them not impacting on the intrinsic character and beauty of the Rural Area and where the development is for a prescribed number of uses which broadly reflect the categories set out under NPPF Policy S5. The proposal does not fall within any of the prescribed forms of development allowed in the countryside under the National Planning Framework or Chelmsford Local Plan Policies. WEB PBCS090 26/01088/FUL REFULZ In addition, the proposal would represent built form on an undeveloped field that positively contributes to the wider countryside setting. Development would erode this to the detriment of the intrinsic character and beauty of the area. It would represent piecemeal development, unconnected to a built-up and defined settlement and would incrementally change the open character and quality of the locality. The site also has limited sustainability credentials and would not positively contribute to sustainable means of travel. Taken together, the development would adversely affect the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework and Local Plan policies S11 and DM8. Reason 2 Chapter 20 of the National Planning Policy Framework seeks to conserve and enhance the historic environment. Policy HE6(1) states that when considering the potential effect of a development proposal on the significance of a designated heritage asset, substantial weight should be given to the asset's conservation. This is irrespective of whether any potential effect amounts to a positive effect, harm, substantial harm, or total loss of its significance. Policy HE6(3) goes further to state that any harm to a designated heritage asset will be a matter of considerable importance and weight. Policy HE6(4) of the NPPF states where a development proposal would harm the significance of a designated heritage asset the effect on the asset and its significance should be weighed against any public benefits resulting from the proposal. Policy DM13 of the Chelmsford Local plan relates to designated heritage assets and states that the impact of any development proposal on the significance of a designated heritage asset or its setting, and any level of harm, will be considered against any public benefits arising from the proposed development. The site lies to the west of the Grade II listed Woodhill Cottage. The rural context forms part of the setting to the cottage and contributes to its significance. The development would represent an erosion of the rural setting and the presence of built form and domestic paraphernalia on land that contributes to the listed building's significance. The scale and design of the dwellings, the flat roof projections and car ports would further emphasis the impacts, resulting in harm. The level harm would be at the lower end of the scale but is still a matter of considerable weight and importance. The benefits of the proposal are the delivery of two net new dwellings in the context of the Council not being able to demonstrate a 5 year supply of housing. However, in terms of b

From the council's decision notice.

Publicity

Appeal

Additional Information