Planning

In a meeting of local residents, the following comments were made on the proposed development:

History:

A previous application for this plot (137750) for one single storey dwelling with three parking spaces was turned down in 2018. This new proposal is for two single storey apartments with six parking spaces, so it cannot make sense to approve this proposal.

The plans:

As this is an application “in principle”, there is no proper plan, so it is difficult to formulate an opinion on the details of the proposed development. Boundaries are not clear. There are 2 conflicting plans – one with a red outline and one with a blue outline. The blue outline appears to encroach on the access to Boggle Lane and various people’s properties.

Development in a National Landscape

• Claxby is in a National Landscape (formerly AONB) and any further development, particularly 2 apartments, would be an over-development and have a negative impact on the village. 
• The building materials proposed (insulated concrete) are not in keeping with the village environment as most, if not all, properties are brick built.
• In Claxby, there is not an identified need for this type of property. The proposer says these new properties would be suitable for the disabled but, as the planning department is aware, the village is not ideal for the disabled, as there are no facilities such as shops, local transport services etc.
• As has been shown by the new development further down Normanby Rise (planning application 144217), any building on Normanby Rise causes problems of water run-off and properties at the bottom of the hill are seriously affected by this already.
• There are already a good number of small bungalows in the village so those requiring this type of property are already catered for.

Access:

• Any development on this site would be too close to neighbouring properties and compromise access to other properties, particularly for emergency vehicles. 
• Parking for 6 cars has been proposed. This small site does not have space for this, and parking on Boggle Lane itself would restrict access to the footpath. 
• Vehicles could not access the property without crossing land belonging to other properties.
• These properties are proposed as suitable for disabled residents, but it is not clear how access for adapted vehicles and wheelchairs can be achieved in this small space.

Footpaths and rights of way:

• Access to the Boggle Lane public footpath would be compromised.
• There is a right of access over the land on which the development is proposed.
• There is also access to another public footpath across this land.

Utilities and highways:

• The village sewage system is already under strain, and it is doubted whether it would cope with more properties being added to the system. 
• There would be no room for bin storage.
• The proposer suggests a 3-phase electricity supply which does not exist in the village.
• The condition of the road surface of Normanby Rise is already very poor, the road is very busy with farm traffic and a further increase in traffic would be detrimental. 
• The water supply is poor with many households having low pressure. Anglian Water have admitted that the infrastructure is old and already not able to cope with the demand, evidenced by many the many recent bursts and leaks.
  
   

In view of the number of residents with genuine concerns at the meeting, a site visit by members of the Planning Department would be welcomed.