Planning Application - The Vicarage

Erection of dwelling (outline application)

Planning Application: 15/0011/OUT

Following my blog dated 4th February 2015, along with a number of other local residents, I decided to lodge an objection against the application. See below:

National Planning Policy Framework
The NPPF is very clear under Para 132:

"When considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation. The more important the asset, the greater the weight should be. Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting. As heritage assets are irreplaceable, any harm or loss should require clear and convincing justification."

The relevant sentence in my opinion is:

"Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting."

All Saints Anglican parish church in Nocton is Grade II* listed, it was built in 1862 by George Gilbert Scott, and according to Pevsner is a "typical estate church" and "one of Scott's major works" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocton]. As such, I would contend that this is a designated heritage asset in any sense of the description and therefore it's setting should be protected at all costs.

One could argue that the relocation of the wooden garage structure permitted under 13/1447/HOUS has already breached the guidelines above - it would be a travesty if the setting of the Grade II* Listed All Saints Church be further violated by giving permission for another building in this locale.

Nocton Conservation Area
The area outlined for the proposed development also falls within the Nocton Conservation Area - adopted by NKDC in July 2008. This places an extra requirement (Para 2.2) on the District Council "to ensure that the design of both new development and extensions to existing buildings respect the local architectural character in terms of siting, design, detailing, scale, and massing".

I would contend that a further construction within the garden of the Vicarage would breach this principle and create excessive 'massing' in what is one of the most important spaces in the village (Para 8.1 refers). Additionally, the 'siting' and 'scale' of the proposed development can also be questioned and placed under scrutiny.

For the reasons stated above, I would like to implore that the planning authority reject this outline application.


You may like to see the following notification from North Kesteven District Council, advising me of the outcome for the applicant:

Notification of Decision

Application Reference: 15/0011/OUT
Proposal: Erection of dwelling (Outline with all matters reserved)
Location: The Vicarage The Green Nocton

You have shown interest in the above mentioned planning application, which has recently been determined.  After consideration of the planning issues, it was resolved to refuse the application.

You should be aware that the applicant does have the right to appeal to the Secretary of State against this decision within six months of refusal.  If there is an appeal I will write to you again, regarding this matter.

The Planning Department aims to provide the highest quality service and as a customer we welcome your views on the service and where you think we could have done better. We would be grateful if you could take a few moments to complete our customer survey online at http://surveys.n-kesteven.gov.uk/planning1011Q3/planningsurvey1011newq3.htm

If you would prefer to complete a paper copy of the survey, please contact Vanda Pollard on 01529 414155 ext 28147.
 
Yours sincerely
Rebecca Unwin
Technical Administration Assistant
Development Management