Bargate Homes and Vivid Homes granted outline planning permission by NFDC to build 110 homes off A337 Milford Road in Pennington

DEVELOPERS have been granted outline planning permission to build 110 new homes in Pennington after officers had asked for more time to make a decision.

Under delegated powers, planning officers at NFDC granted Bargate Homes and Vivid Homes permission to build the houses on land south of the A337 Milford Road, subject to a raft of conditions.

The authority said construction must begin within the next two years and offer at least 50% affordable housing.

In line with "policy expectations", up to 60% of the scheme's one and two-bed homes will be affordable rentals, as will at least 25% of its three-bed properties and up to 10% of its four-beds.

Planners also stated the development must have the appropriate landscaping to ensure a "high quality setting", as well as "suitable recreational opportunities".

It will include electric vehicle charging points, provision for high speed broadband, and footpaths and cycleways to ensure sustainable transport is "duly promoted".

Recommending the scheme for approval, an officer wrote: "The proposed development is considered to be one that meets the... key objectives of sustainable development, and would meet social objectives by creating a safe, vibrant and healthy new community."

During construction, traffic and environmental management plans will be in place to mitigate dust and noise pollution.

Planners also said the site will offer "biodiversity enhancement" measures, including bird and bat nesting boxes and "bee bricks" that offer shelter for invertebrates.