Smart Planning are delighted to have obtained planning permission from Maldon District Council for a residential development comprising of 8 dwellings at Stoney Hills, Burnham-on-Crouch.

Having assisted numerous clients in achieving planning permission within Stoney Hills, including the neighbouring site at The Grove (7 dwellings), this permission assimilated well with the existing pattern of development in the area.

The site being centrally located in Stoney Hills, sits unequivocally within a sustainable location and the notional housing area.

The permission provides small single-storey bungalows being ideal for the locality having regard to Maldon District’s housing needs and evolved local character. The assigned Planning Officer acknowledged this in their Committee Report, stating that “The proposed development would therefore support the supply of two-bedroom dwellings that is currently in need in the district. It is therefore considered that the net gain of seven dwellings …would weigh in favour of the proposed development“.

The Local Planning Authority accepted the principle of the development, with reference to the evolution of Stoney Hills and confirmed that the development would sit comfortably within the site, being compatible with its surroundings.

The Planning Officer stated that “The site is located outside the defined settlement boundaries of the District, but centrally located within the residential area of Stoney Hills, abutting recently developed and recently approved (to be developed) housing sites to the south, west and further to the north and northeast of the subject application site.”

They went on to say “It is therefore considered that the site is clearly delineated as part of the wider Stoney Hills area and its visual and physical association is with the neighbouring properties rather than the open countryside”.

The Members concurred with the Planning Officer’s recommendation to approve the development and planning permission was granted (subject to conditions) at the South Eastern Area Planning Committee with 7 in support, 1 against and 2 abstaining, much to the delight of the client.

If you would like to establish the development potential of your site, contact us today regarding our initial Desktop Appraisal service.

21 September 2021