SDO21738 - Heritage Statement in respect of Proposed Residential Development at Land off South Street, Fontmell Magna

‘The application site consists of a parcel of redundant agricultural land, which lies to the west of the village and within the Fontmell Magna Conservation Area. The application seeks outline permission for 23 houses of similar density, scale and pattern to a scheme for 30 houses currently under construction on the adjacent field, which also lies within the conservation area. Officers for the approved 30-house development considered there to be a ‘slight erosion’ to the rural context of the conservation area, amounting to ‘less than substantial harm’ under the terms of the National Planning Policy Framework (the NPPF). The public benefits of additional housing provision were deemed sufficient to outweigh the harm. The current application proposals would cause a further, albeit modest erosion to the rural context of the conservation area resulting in ‘less than substantial harm’ to the designated heritage asset. While mindful of the duty to afford great weight to the conservation of designated heritage assets, the proposed development should be balanced with the public benefits deriving from the proposals in accordance with the requirements of the NPPF. No other designated or non-designated heritage assets are deemed to be affected by the proposals.’