Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council
Councillors:
54
Wards:
18
Committees:
23
Meetings (2026):
68
Meetings (2025):
75
Meeting
Development Control Committee - Basingstoke & Dean
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 9th September 2026
6:30 PM
Wednesday, 9th September 2026
6:30 PM
End:
Wednesday, 9th September 2026
9:30 PM
Wednesday, 9th September 2026
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
09 Sep 2026
09 Sep 2026
Location:
Council Chamber - Deanes
Council Chamber - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Vice Chair of the Resources Committee
Councillor Julian Jones
Basingstoke & Deane Independent Group
Apologies, sent representative
View Profile
Committee Member
Reserve
Chair of the Human Resources Committee
Reserve
Leader of the Conservative Group
Officer
Assistant Planning Manager
Katherine Fitzherbert-Green
Expected
Committee Member
Chair
Chair of Development Control Committee
Vice-Chair
Chair of the Resident Services & Vice-Chair of Development Control Committee
Committee Member
Leader of the Reform UK Group
Reserve
Chair of the Audit and Accounts Committee
Officer
Assistant Planning Manager
Christine Ellera
Expected
Officer
Principal Tree Officer
Aimee Hampton
Expected
Officer
Assistant Planning Manager
Lorna Hutchings
Expected
Guest
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence and substitutions
Minutes
Councillor Hussey sent his apologies.
Councillor Jones was replaced by Councillor Tuck.
Councillor Jones was replaced by Councillor Tuck.
2
Declarations of interest
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest.
3
Urgent matters
To consider any items of business, other than those shown on this agenda and which, by reason of special circumstances to be stated at the meeting, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency
Minutes
There were no urgent matters.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on the 12th August 2026
The Chair will move that the minutes of the meeting held on the 12th August 2026 be signed as a correct record. The only part of the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of the meeting held on the 12th August 2026 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The Chair confirmed that the minutes of the meeting held on the 12th August 2026 were confirmed by the Committee as a correct record.
5
Applications for planning permission and public participation thereon
This report details the planning applications to the Committee for consideration and decision.
Contact Officer: Planning and Development Manager
Wards Affected: Eastrop & Grove, Tadley North, Kingsclere & Baughurst
Contact Officer: Planning and Development Manager
Wards Affected: Eastrop & Grove, Tadley North, Kingsclere & Baughurst
Attachments:
- Document Report 28 Aug 2026
- Document Index 28 Aug 2026
- Document Applications 28 Aug 2026
- Document DCC Update Paper Front Sheet - 9 Sep 2026 28 Aug 2026
- Document Update 09-09-2026 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The following Public Participation took place:
Interest
Name
Item no./Topic
Support
Ms Penton
Item 1 - 26/00293/FUL
Objector
Mr Smith
Item 2 - 26/01363/FUL
Objector
Mr Phillips
Item 2 - 26/01363/FUL
Support
Mr Taheem
Item 2 - 26/01363/FUL
Councillor
McKay
Item 2 - 26/01363/FUL
Application 1 – 26/00293/FUL: Change of use of agricultural land to dog walking facility with associated fencing, parking and repositioned access. Site: Land Adj to Plantation Farm Rectory Lane Wolverton Hampshire
The Committee considered the report set out on pages 19 to 46 of the agenda together with the further material set out on the addendum sheet and other matters discussed at the meeting.
The Committee discussed the proposed application and noted that the proposal would have no adverse impact on the countryside or the local transport network.
Members were also content with the proposed amendment to the operating hours, which included opening between 09:00 and 16:00 on Sundays.
RESOLVED that: the application be APPROVED subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 legal agreement under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) to secure the significant onsite enhancements for Biodiversity Net Gain within the site.
Should the requirements set out above not be satisfactorily secured, then the Planning and Development Manager be delegated to REFUSE permission for appropriate reasons.
On completion of the legal agreements, the Planning and Development Manager be delegated to grant planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out below.
Conditions
1 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:
Location Plan - Drawing No. 2512-PL01
Proposed Site Plan - Drawing No. 2512-PL10-C
Proposed Site Access Plan - Drawing No. 2512-PL11-C
Proposed Elevations - Drawing No. 2512-PL15-D
REASON: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.
2 The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this planning permission.
REASON: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and to prevent an accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions.
3 Notwithstanding the approved plans, no development shall take place on site until there has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority a scheme of soft landscaping which shall specify species, planting sizes, spacing and numbers of trees/shrubs to be planted (including replacement trees where appropriate) to be carried out in order to allow successful establishment of planting. The approved soft landscaping works approved shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following when the use hereby permitted is commenced. Any trees or plants which, within a period of 5 years from the date of planting, die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
REASON: Details are required prior to commencement above slab level because insufficient information has been submitted with the application in this regard, to improve the appearance of the site in the interests of visual amenity in accordance with Policies EM1, EP4 and EM10 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029 and Policy K6 of the Kingsclere Neighbourhood Plan 2011-2029.
4 Notwithstanding the submitted plans, the use shall not commence until full details of any refuse bins/ dog waste bins have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved details shall be constructed and fully implemented prior to the occupation of the site hereby approved and shall thereafter be retained for that specific purpose.
REASON: In the absence of details being submitted to accompany the planning application, details are required in accordance with Policies EM1, EM10, EM11, EM12, EP4 and CN9 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
5 The dog paddock shall only be used by a maximum of 4 dogs at any one time.
REASON: In the interests of amenities for the local area and neighbouring occupiers and in the interest of highway safety in accordance with Policies CN9, EM10 and EM12 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
6 The hours of use are restricted to 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.
REASON: In the interests of highway safety, residential amenity, and to ensure acceptable noise levels are not exceeded within the dwellings and in accordance with Policies CN9 EM10 and EM12 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
7 The proposed development shall be undertaken in accordance with all proposed avoidance, mitigation and enhancement recommendations and procedures contained within Section 7 'Recommendations' of the supporting Ecological Assessment Report (Windrush Ecology, May 2026) to address potential impacts on protected and notable species and habitats.
REASON: To meet with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in relation to protected and notable species, in accordance with Policy EM4 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
8 The development shall not be brought into use until all areas indicated to be used for vehicles and pedestrians on the approved plan have been laid out with a drained surface. Provision shall be made to direct run-off water from the surface to a permeable or porous area or surface within the curtilage of the development. Such areas shall be retained as such for car parking for the lifetime of the development and used for no other purpose.
REASON: To ensure adequate provision for surface water drainage and in the interests of highway safety in accordance with Policies EM10 and CN9 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
9 Before the development is brought into use, the means of vehicular access to the site shall be constructed in accordance with the approved plan and no structure, erection or planting exceeding 1.0m in height shall thereafter be placed within the visibility splays shown on the approved plans.
REASON: To ensure a suitable access and layout in the interests of highway safety in accordance with Policy CN9 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
10 No external lighting shall be installed within the site, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority on an application for such a development.
REASON: In the interests of the visual amenities of the area and in accordance with Policies EM1 and EM10 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011 -2029 and P:olicy K5 of the Kingsclere Neighbourhood Plan 2011-2029.
Informative(s):-
1. 1.1 The applicant's attention is drawn to the fact that the above conditions (if any), must be complied with in full, failure to do so may result in enforcement action being instigated.
1.2 This permission may contain pre-commencement conditions which require specific matters to be submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before a specified stage in the development occurs. This means that a lawful commencement of the approved development CANNOT be made until the particular requirements of the pre-commencement conditions have been met.
1.3 The applicant's attention is drawn to the fact that the Local Planning Authority has a period of up to eight weeks to determine details submitted in respect of a condition or limitation attached to a grant of planning permission. It is likely that in most cases the determination period will be shorter than eight weeks, however, the applicant is advised to schedule this time period into any programme of works. A fee will be required for requests for discharge of any consent, agreement, or approval required by a planning condition. A fee is payable for each submission made regardless of the number of conditions for which approval is sought. Details of the required fee can be found on our website - https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/plan-app-process?chapter=81324#chapter81324 . Requests must be made using the standard application form (available online) or set out in writing clearly identifying the relevant planning application and condition(s) which they are seeking approval for.
2. In accordance with paragraph 39 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in dealing with this application, the Council has worked with the applicant in the following positive and creative manner:-
seeking further information following receipt of the application;
seeking amendments to the proposed development following receipt of the application;
considering the imposition of conditions and the completion of a s.106 legal agreement (in accordance with paragraphs 56-59).
In this instance:
the applicant was updated of any issues after the initial site visit;
the application was acceptable as amended and no further assistance was required.
In such ways the Council has demonstrated a positive and proactive manner in seeking solutions to problems arising in relation to the planning application.
3. The Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency during 2019 formally making this declaration at the meeting of Cabinet in September 2019. This recognises the need to take urgent action to reduce both the emissions of the Council's own activities as a service provider but also those of the wider borough. In this respect, the Council is working with consultants at present to identify appropriate actions to achieve the targets that have been set. Beyond the requirements of any conditions that may be applicable to this planning permission and the current planning policy framework, the applicant is encouraged to explore all opportunities for implementing the development in a way that minimises impact on climate change. Where this in itself might require separate permission applicants can contact the council for advice through the following link: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/plan-app-process. For information more generally on the Climate Emergency please visit: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/climateemergency.
4. Works with potential to impact nesting birds should be conducted outside of the nesting bird season (considered March to September inclusive) or suitable habitat checked immediately prior to removal by an ecologist. If a nest is found it is to remain undisturbed until no longer active (absent of chicks or eggs). Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence for any person who intentionally kills, injures, or takes any wild bird and/or takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built.
5. Great crested newt and their habitats are fully protected by law. Where great crested newt are discovered on site, all works should cease immediately and advice sought from a suitably qualified ecologist or Natural England. An enquiry can also be made to NatureSpace Partnership to explore use of the council's District Licence Scheme post-planning.
Application 2 - 26/01363/FUL: Change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class C3(a)) to children's care home (Use Class C2) for up to three children, together with conversion of the existing garage into habitable accommodation and associated external alterations.
The Committee considered the report set out on pages 47 to 70 of the agenda together with the further material set out on the addendum sheet and other matters discussed at the meeting.
The Committee discussed the proposed application at length.
Members acknowledged residents' concerns regarding noise and disturbance but noted that the property would remain in residential use and that a family household could generate similar levels of activity, noise and vehicle movements. Members highlighted the identified need for accommodation for looked after children and supported the officer's recommendation, subject to a condition restricting occupancy to a maximum of three children.
Members considered that children with difficult backgrounds should not be assumed to be disruptive and noted that the character of any residential area could change over time depending on the occupants. Whilst some concerns were raised regarding tandem parking and the site's proximity to the bend in Shepherd Road, Members considered that vehicle movements would be comparable to those associated with a family dwelling.
Reference was made to Policy NPPF3 and the need to protect neighbouring amenity. Questions were raised regarding noise mitigation, operational management arrangements and acoustic insulation. However, it was acknowledged that the management of care arrangements was not a material planning consideration. Most Members were satisfied that the proposal would not result in unacceptable harm to neighbouring amenity.
RESOLVED that: the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions and informatives listed below.
Conditions
1 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:
Location Plan
Proposed Daytime Block Plan - Drawing No. SBP01
Proposed Night time and Weekend Block Plan - Drawing No. SBP02
Proposed Plans - Drawing No. P001
Proposed Elevations - Drawing No. P002
REASON: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.
2 The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this planning permission.
REASON: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and to prevent an accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions.
3 The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match, in type, colour and texture to those on the existing building.
REASON: In the interests of visual amenity and in accordance with Policy EM10 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
4 No work relating to the construction of the development hereby approved, including works of demolition or preparation prior to operations, or internal painting or fitting out, shall take place before the hours of 0730 nor after 1800 Monday to Friday, before the hours of 0800 nor after 1300 Saturdays nor on Sundays or recognised public holidays.
REASON: To protect the amenities of the occupiers of nearby properties during the construction period and in accordance Policy EM10 and EM12 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
5 Notwithstanding the provisions of Part C of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), the use of the building shall be restricted to a Class C2 children's care home only and shall not be used for any other use under Class C2.
REASON: To protect the amenities of neighbouring occupiers and to ensure the visual amenity of the area is retained in accordance with Policy EM10 of the Local Plan 2011-2029.
6 The premises shall be used as a Class C2 children's care home for up to three children that are up to the ages of 18 years only.
REASON: To protect the amenities of neighbouring occupiers and to ensure the visual amenity of the area is retained in accordance with Policy EM10 of the Local Plan 2011-2029.
Informative(s):-
1. 1.1 The applicant's attention is drawn to the fact that the above conditions (if any), must be complied with in full, failure to do so may result in enforcement action being instigated.
1.2 This permission may contain pre-commencement conditions which require specific matters to be submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before a specified stage in the development occurs. This means that a lawful commencement of the approved development CANNOT be made until the particular requirements of the pre-commencement conditions have been met.
1.3 The applicant's attention is drawn to the fact that the Local Planning Authority has a period of up to eight weeks to determine details submitted in respect of a condition or limitation attached to a grant of planning permission. It is likely that in most cases the determination period will be shorter than eight weeks, however, the applicant is advised to schedule this time period into any programme of works. A fee will be required for requests for discharge of any consent, agreement, or approval required by a planning condition. A fee is payable for each submission made regardless of the number of conditions for which approval is sought. Details of the required fee can be found on our website - https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/plan-app-process?chapter=81324#chapter81324 . Requests must be made using the standard application form (available online) or set out in writing clearly identifying the relevant planning application and condition(s) which they are seeking approval for.
2. In accordance with paragraph 39 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in dealing with this application, the Council has worked with the applicant in the following positive and creative manner:-
considering the imposition of conditions
In this instance:
the application was acceptable as submitted and no further assistance was required.
In such ways the Council has demonstrated a positive and proactive manner in seeking solutions to problems arising in relation to the planning application.
3. The Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency during 2019 formally making this declaration at the meeting of Cabinet in September 2019. This recognises the need to take urgent action to reduce both the emissions of the Council's own activities as a service provider but also those of the wider borough. In this respect, the Council is working with consultants at present to identify appropriate actions to achieve the targets that have been set. Beyond the requirements of any conditions that may be applicable to this planning permission and the current planning policy framework, the applicant is encouraged to explore all opportunities for implementing the development in a way that minimises impact on climate change. Where this in itself might require separate permission applicants can contact the council for advice through the following link: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/plan-app-process. For information more generally on the Climate Emergency please visit: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/climateemergency.
4. The applicant is advised that the property and the operational arrangements must adhere to all relevant regulations, which includes, though is not limited to the following:
All children's homes must be registered with Ofsted before operating.
The home must comply with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards, which cover:
- Care and protection
- Education and health
- Leadership and management
- Staff qualifications and supervision
Interest
Name
Item no./Topic
Support
Ms Penton
Item 1 - 26/00293/FUL
Objector
Mr Smith
Item 2 - 26/01363/FUL
Objector
Mr Phillips
Item 2 - 26/01363/FUL
Support
Mr Taheem
Item 2 - 26/01363/FUL
Councillor
McKay
Item 2 - 26/01363/FUL
Application 1 – 26/00293/FUL: Change of use of agricultural land to dog walking facility with associated fencing, parking and repositioned access. Site: Land Adj to Plantation Farm Rectory Lane Wolverton Hampshire
The Committee considered the report set out on pages 19 to 46 of the agenda together with the further material set out on the addendum sheet and other matters discussed at the meeting.
The Committee discussed the proposed application and noted that the proposal would have no adverse impact on the countryside or the local transport network.
Members were also content with the proposed amendment to the operating hours, which included opening between 09:00 and 16:00 on Sundays.
RESOLVED that: the application be APPROVED subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 legal agreement under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) to secure the significant onsite enhancements for Biodiversity Net Gain within the site.
Should the requirements set out above not be satisfactorily secured, then the Planning and Development Manager be delegated to REFUSE permission for appropriate reasons.
On completion of the legal agreements, the Planning and Development Manager be delegated to grant planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out below.
Conditions
1 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:
Location Plan - Drawing No. 2512-PL01
Proposed Site Plan - Drawing No. 2512-PL10-C
Proposed Site Access Plan - Drawing No. 2512-PL11-C
Proposed Elevations - Drawing No. 2512-PL15-D
REASON: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.
2 The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this planning permission.
REASON: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and to prevent an accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions.
3 Notwithstanding the approved plans, no development shall take place on site until there has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority a scheme of soft landscaping which shall specify species, planting sizes, spacing and numbers of trees/shrubs to be planted (including replacement trees where appropriate) to be carried out in order to allow successful establishment of planting. The approved soft landscaping works approved shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following when the use hereby permitted is commenced. Any trees or plants which, within a period of 5 years from the date of planting, die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
REASON: Details are required prior to commencement above slab level because insufficient information has been submitted with the application in this regard, to improve the appearance of the site in the interests of visual amenity in accordance with Policies EM1, EP4 and EM10 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029 and Policy K6 of the Kingsclere Neighbourhood Plan 2011-2029.
4 Notwithstanding the submitted plans, the use shall not commence until full details of any refuse bins/ dog waste bins have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved details shall be constructed and fully implemented prior to the occupation of the site hereby approved and shall thereafter be retained for that specific purpose.
REASON: In the absence of details being submitted to accompany the planning application, details are required in accordance with Policies EM1, EM10, EM11, EM12, EP4 and CN9 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
5 The dog paddock shall only be used by a maximum of 4 dogs at any one time.
REASON: In the interests of amenities for the local area and neighbouring occupiers and in the interest of highway safety in accordance with Policies CN9, EM10 and EM12 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
6 The hours of use are restricted to 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.
REASON: In the interests of highway safety, residential amenity, and to ensure acceptable noise levels are not exceeded within the dwellings and in accordance with Policies CN9 EM10 and EM12 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
7 The proposed development shall be undertaken in accordance with all proposed avoidance, mitigation and enhancement recommendations and procedures contained within Section 7 'Recommendations' of the supporting Ecological Assessment Report (Windrush Ecology, May 2026) to address potential impacts on protected and notable species and habitats.
REASON: To meet with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in relation to protected and notable species, in accordance with Policy EM4 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
8 The development shall not be brought into use until all areas indicated to be used for vehicles and pedestrians on the approved plan have been laid out with a drained surface. Provision shall be made to direct run-off water from the surface to a permeable or porous area or surface within the curtilage of the development. Such areas shall be retained as such for car parking for the lifetime of the development and used for no other purpose.
REASON: To ensure adequate provision for surface water drainage and in the interests of highway safety in accordance with Policies EM10 and CN9 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
9 Before the development is brought into use, the means of vehicular access to the site shall be constructed in accordance with the approved plan and no structure, erection or planting exceeding 1.0m in height shall thereafter be placed within the visibility splays shown on the approved plans.
REASON: To ensure a suitable access and layout in the interests of highway safety in accordance with Policy CN9 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
10 No external lighting shall be installed within the site, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority on an application for such a development.
REASON: In the interests of the visual amenities of the area and in accordance with Policies EM1 and EM10 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011 -2029 and P:olicy K5 of the Kingsclere Neighbourhood Plan 2011-2029.
Informative(s):-
1. 1.1 The applicant's attention is drawn to the fact that the above conditions (if any), must be complied with in full, failure to do so may result in enforcement action being instigated.
1.2 This permission may contain pre-commencement conditions which require specific matters to be submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before a specified stage in the development occurs. This means that a lawful commencement of the approved development CANNOT be made until the particular requirements of the pre-commencement conditions have been met.
1.3 The applicant's attention is drawn to the fact that the Local Planning Authority has a period of up to eight weeks to determine details submitted in respect of a condition or limitation attached to a grant of planning permission. It is likely that in most cases the determination period will be shorter than eight weeks, however, the applicant is advised to schedule this time period into any programme of works. A fee will be required for requests for discharge of any consent, agreement, or approval required by a planning condition. A fee is payable for each submission made regardless of the number of conditions for which approval is sought. Details of the required fee can be found on our website - https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/plan-app-process?chapter=81324#chapter81324 . Requests must be made using the standard application form (available online) or set out in writing clearly identifying the relevant planning application and condition(s) which they are seeking approval for.
2. In accordance with paragraph 39 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in dealing with this application, the Council has worked with the applicant in the following positive and creative manner:-
seeking further information following receipt of the application;
seeking amendments to the proposed development following receipt of the application;
considering the imposition of conditions and the completion of a s.106 legal agreement (in accordance with paragraphs 56-59).
In this instance:
the applicant was updated of any issues after the initial site visit;
the application was acceptable as amended and no further assistance was required.
In such ways the Council has demonstrated a positive and proactive manner in seeking solutions to problems arising in relation to the planning application.
3. The Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency during 2019 formally making this declaration at the meeting of Cabinet in September 2019. This recognises the need to take urgent action to reduce both the emissions of the Council's own activities as a service provider but also those of the wider borough. In this respect, the Council is working with consultants at present to identify appropriate actions to achieve the targets that have been set. Beyond the requirements of any conditions that may be applicable to this planning permission and the current planning policy framework, the applicant is encouraged to explore all opportunities for implementing the development in a way that minimises impact on climate change. Where this in itself might require separate permission applicants can contact the council for advice through the following link: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/plan-app-process. For information more generally on the Climate Emergency please visit: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/climateemergency.
4. Works with potential to impact nesting birds should be conducted outside of the nesting bird season (considered March to September inclusive) or suitable habitat checked immediately prior to removal by an ecologist. If a nest is found it is to remain undisturbed until no longer active (absent of chicks or eggs). Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence for any person who intentionally kills, injures, or takes any wild bird and/or takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built.
5. Great crested newt and their habitats are fully protected by law. Where great crested newt are discovered on site, all works should cease immediately and advice sought from a suitably qualified ecologist or Natural England. An enquiry can also be made to NatureSpace Partnership to explore use of the council's District Licence Scheme post-planning.
Application 2 - 26/01363/FUL: Change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class C3(a)) to children's care home (Use Class C2) for up to three children, together with conversion of the existing garage into habitable accommodation and associated external alterations.
The Committee considered the report set out on pages 47 to 70 of the agenda together with the further material set out on the addendum sheet and other matters discussed at the meeting.
The Committee discussed the proposed application at length.
Members acknowledged residents' concerns regarding noise and disturbance but noted that the property would remain in residential use and that a family household could generate similar levels of activity, noise and vehicle movements. Members highlighted the identified need for accommodation for looked after children and supported the officer's recommendation, subject to a condition restricting occupancy to a maximum of three children.
Members considered that children with difficult backgrounds should not be assumed to be disruptive and noted that the character of any residential area could change over time depending on the occupants. Whilst some concerns were raised regarding tandem parking and the site's proximity to the bend in Shepherd Road, Members considered that vehicle movements would be comparable to those associated with a family dwelling.
Reference was made to Policy NPPF3 and the need to protect neighbouring amenity. Questions were raised regarding noise mitigation, operational management arrangements and acoustic insulation. However, it was acknowledged that the management of care arrangements was not a material planning consideration. Most Members were satisfied that the proposal would not result in unacceptable harm to neighbouring amenity.
RESOLVED that: the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions and informatives listed below.
Conditions
1 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:
Location Plan
Proposed Daytime Block Plan - Drawing No. SBP01
Proposed Night time and Weekend Block Plan - Drawing No. SBP02
Proposed Plans - Drawing No. P001
Proposed Elevations - Drawing No. P002
REASON: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.
2 The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this planning permission.
REASON: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and to prevent an accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions.
3 The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match, in type, colour and texture to those on the existing building.
REASON: In the interests of visual amenity and in accordance with Policy EM10 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
4 No work relating to the construction of the development hereby approved, including works of demolition or preparation prior to operations, or internal painting or fitting out, shall take place before the hours of 0730 nor after 1800 Monday to Friday, before the hours of 0800 nor after 1300 Saturdays nor on Sundays or recognised public holidays.
REASON: To protect the amenities of the occupiers of nearby properties during the construction period and in accordance Policy EM10 and EM12 of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.
5 Notwithstanding the provisions of Part C of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), the use of the building shall be restricted to a Class C2 children's care home only and shall not be used for any other use under Class C2.
REASON: To protect the amenities of neighbouring occupiers and to ensure the visual amenity of the area is retained in accordance with Policy EM10 of the Local Plan 2011-2029.
6 The premises shall be used as a Class C2 children's care home for up to three children that are up to the ages of 18 years only.
REASON: To protect the amenities of neighbouring occupiers and to ensure the visual amenity of the area is retained in accordance with Policy EM10 of the Local Plan 2011-2029.
Informative(s):-
1. 1.1 The applicant's attention is drawn to the fact that the above conditions (if any), must be complied with in full, failure to do so may result in enforcement action being instigated.
1.2 This permission may contain pre-commencement conditions which require specific matters to be submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before a specified stage in the development occurs. This means that a lawful commencement of the approved development CANNOT be made until the particular requirements of the pre-commencement conditions have been met.
1.3 The applicant's attention is drawn to the fact that the Local Planning Authority has a period of up to eight weeks to determine details submitted in respect of a condition or limitation attached to a grant of planning permission. It is likely that in most cases the determination period will be shorter than eight weeks, however, the applicant is advised to schedule this time period into any programme of works. A fee will be required for requests for discharge of any consent, agreement, or approval required by a planning condition. A fee is payable for each submission made regardless of the number of conditions for which approval is sought. Details of the required fee can be found on our website - https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/plan-app-process?chapter=81324#chapter81324 . Requests must be made using the standard application form (available online) or set out in writing clearly identifying the relevant planning application and condition(s) which they are seeking approval for.
2. In accordance with paragraph 39 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in dealing with this application, the Council has worked with the applicant in the following positive and creative manner:-
considering the imposition of conditions
In this instance:
the application was acceptable as submitted and no further assistance was required.
In such ways the Council has demonstrated a positive and proactive manner in seeking solutions to problems arising in relation to the planning application.
3. The Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency during 2019 formally making this declaration at the meeting of Cabinet in September 2019. This recognises the need to take urgent action to reduce both the emissions of the Council's own activities as a service provider but also those of the wider borough. In this respect, the Council is working with consultants at present to identify appropriate actions to achieve the targets that have been set. Beyond the requirements of any conditions that may be applicable to this planning permission and the current planning policy framework, the applicant is encouraged to explore all opportunities for implementing the development in a way that minimises impact on climate change. Where this in itself might require separate permission applicants can contact the council for advice through the following link: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/plan-app-process. For information more generally on the Climate Emergency please visit: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/climateemergency.
4. The applicant is advised that the property and the operational arrangements must adhere to all relevant regulations, which includes, though is not limited to the following:
All children's homes must be registered with Ofsted before operating.
The home must comply with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards, which cover:
- Care and protection
- Education and health
- Leadership and management
- Staff qualifications and supervision
6
Quarterly Planning Appeals Report
This report provides a summary analysis of the appeal decisions received from the 01/05/2026 to 31/07/2026. It highlights some of the issues drawn out by the Inspectors in arriving at their decision and which should be taken into account when future decisions are made, but is by no means a summary of all the issues referred to in the Inspectors’ decision notices.
Contact Officer: Planning and Development Manager
Contact Officer: Planning and Development Manager
Attachments:
- Document Appeals Qtr Report 1st May -31st July 2026 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The Planning and Development Manager introduced the report which provided a summary analysis of the appeal decisions received from the 01/05/2026 to 31/07/2026. It highlighted some of the issues drawn out by the Inspectors in arriving at their decision and which should be taken into account when future decisions were made but was by no means a summary of all the issues referred to in the Inspectors’ decision notices.
Members sought clarification on three appeal decisions. Questions were raised regarding the appeal at Land North of Whitchurch Station, the solar farm at Lower Wyke Farm, and the development at land north of West Ham Lane.
The Planning and Development Manager explained that the railway station appeal had been allowed despite extending beyond the allocated site boundary, as the Inspector concluded that any harm to the National Landscape was limited and outweighed by compliance with the allocation. In relation to Lower Wyke Farm, the Inspector accepted that there would be landscape harm but found that the benefits of renewable energy generation outweighed the adverse impacts. Regarding West Ham Lane, the Inspector acknowledged concerns relating to design, character and green space provision but concluded that the benefits of the development outweighed the identified harm, having regard to housing land supply considerations.
Further concerns were raised regarding access arrangements at West Ham Lane and the cumulative impact of nearby development. The Planning and Development Manager confirmed that planning permission had been granted through the appeal and that future proposals in the area would need to take the approved access arrangements into account.
RESOLVED that: Members of the Development Control Committee note the outcomes of the appeal decisions and the reasons given for those decisions.
Members sought clarification on three appeal decisions. Questions were raised regarding the appeal at Land North of Whitchurch Station, the solar farm at Lower Wyke Farm, and the development at land north of West Ham Lane.
The Planning and Development Manager explained that the railway station appeal had been allowed despite extending beyond the allocated site boundary, as the Inspector concluded that any harm to the National Landscape was limited and outweighed by compliance with the allocation. In relation to Lower Wyke Farm, the Inspector accepted that there would be landscape harm but found that the benefits of renewable energy generation outweighed the adverse impacts. Regarding West Ham Lane, the Inspector acknowledged concerns relating to design, character and green space provision but concluded that the benefits of the development outweighed the identified harm, having regard to housing land supply considerations.
Further concerns were raised regarding access arrangements at West Ham Lane and the cumulative impact of nearby development. The Planning and Development Manager confirmed that planning permission had been granted through the appeal and that future proposals in the area would need to take the approved access arrangements into account.
RESOLVED that: Members of the Development Control Committee note the outcomes of the appeal decisions and the reasons given for those decisions.
7
Quality of Decision on Major Planning Applications
This report seeks to update the Development Control Committee on Government performance criteria related to quality of decisions on major planning applications. Specifically, this relates to decisions allowed at appeal for major applications which informs the performance criteria. The report sets out the current performance and associated risks. The report relates to the Council Plan priority of a council that delivers high-quality services for residents in relation to decisions on planning applications.
Contact Officer: Planning and Development Manager
Contact Officer: Planning and Development Manager
Attachments:
- Document Update on Quality of Decisions Report 28 Aug 2026
- Document Update on Quality of Decisions Appendix 1 28 Aug 2026
Minutes
The Planning and Development Manager presented the report on the quality of decisions for major planning applications. Members were advised that there were currently no issues in relation to the speed of determination for either major or non-major applications, nor with the quality of decisions for non-major applications.
The report focused on major applications, where performance was measured by the proportion of appeals allowed against the total number of major applications determined over a two-year monitoring period, together with a nine-month appeal period. Members were advised that the Council's current performance stood at just under 9%, against the Government threshold of 10%, with two significant appeal decisions still outstanding during the current monitoring period. It was noted that if either appeal were allowed, the Council could exceed the threshold.
Members were reminded that the Council had previously exceeded the threshold and had subsequently implemented several improvements, including additional Member briefings, post-site visit discussions and changes to committee reporting. These measures had contributed to a significant improvement in performance in subsequent monitoring periods.
The Planning and Development Manager advised that, unlike previous periods where most overturned decisions had been committee decisions, the current position reflected an equal split between committee and delegated decisions. It was also noted that recent appeal decisions had generally shown Inspectors agreeing with identified harms but giving greater weight to the benefits of development in the overall planning balance.
Members were informed that the Planning Advisory Service had been invited to undertake a review of the recent appeal decisions to identify any lessons learned and provide further training. Additional reviews of consultee input, communication processes and senior officer oversight of refusal decisions were also proposed.
RESEOLVED That: To note the current performance in relation to Government performance criteria and planned actions seeking improvement set out in Section 5.
The report focused on major applications, where performance was measured by the proportion of appeals allowed against the total number of major applications determined over a two-year monitoring period, together with a nine-month appeal period. Members were advised that the Council's current performance stood at just under 9%, against the Government threshold of 10%, with two significant appeal decisions still outstanding during the current monitoring period. It was noted that if either appeal were allowed, the Council could exceed the threshold.
Members were reminded that the Council had previously exceeded the threshold and had subsequently implemented several improvements, including additional Member briefings, post-site visit discussions and changes to committee reporting. These measures had contributed to a significant improvement in performance in subsequent monitoring periods.
The Planning and Development Manager advised that, unlike previous periods where most overturned decisions had been committee decisions, the current position reflected an equal split between committee and delegated decisions. It was also noted that recent appeal decisions had generally shown Inspectors agreeing with identified harms but giving greater weight to the benefits of development in the overall planning balance.
Members were informed that the Planning Advisory Service had been invited to undertake a review of the recent appeal decisions to identify any lessons learned and provide further training. Additional reviews of consultee input, communication processes and senior officer oversight of refusal decisions were also proposed.
RESEOLVED That: To note the current performance in relation to Government performance criteria and planned actions seeking improvement set out in Section 5.
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