Report of the meeting of the Parish Council of Castle Hedingham held on Wednesday, 14th May 2008 issued by the Clerk

Chairman - Mrs Allfrey was elected Chairman for the ensuing year.

Junk Swap – Mrs Moffat and Mr Southgate were congratulated on organising such a successful event.  The possibility of hosting a Farmers Market is being investigated.  It was agreed that Braintree District Council be thanked for their support of the event.

Planning Recommendations

The Parish Council  had no objections to the following applications: Application 08/00718/FUL-  Erection of two storey extension to side elevation and porch to front - 6 Crouch Green, Castle Hedingham; Application  08/00840/FUL- Change of use of barn to provide holiday let - The Pottery, 37 St James' Street, Castle Hedingham and, Application 08/00781/LBC – Proposed re-roofing - Astles, 1 Pye Corner, Castle Hedingham.

Application - 08/00684/FUL-  Erection of new dwelling and garage – Revised Plans - Land adjacent to 13 Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham –

Two letters of objection were read to the meeting.  After a discussion it was agree to submit the following comment:

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  This application was withdrawn and Councillors do not consider that this new application and its revision varies greatly from the previous application showing only a modest reduction in height the impact of which is hard to judge as the drawing 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 Amyse’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

Wednesdays 4 June and 16th July 2008 starting at 7.45p.m. in Castle Hedingham Club, Church Lane, Castle Hedingham.

Parish Council index page

Castle Hedingham website main page

Custom Search