Proposed erection of an agricultural building for free range egg production with associated feed bins and egg packing and storage building.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation, with an additional informative.

(Proposed erection of an agricultural building for free range egg production with associated feed bins and egg packing and storage building.)

The Development Manager (DM) gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr M Temple, a local resident, spoke in objection.  Mr S Harison, the applicant’s agent, and Mr G Hodnett, the applicant’s son spoke in support.

The Chairperson reported that the local ward member was unable to attend the meeting.

In the Committee’s discussion of the application the following principal points were made:

·        A balance had to be struck between farming and tourism.  Farming contributed to the environment that encouraged tourism.

·        The application had clearly been thoroughly assessed and was a sound application.

·        Clarification was sought on the perimeter fencing and whether this would be stock proof, a concern raised by the public speaker in objection to the application.  The DM commented that the application site lay some distance north of the speaker’s property and was not contiguous.  He did not consider that a condition would be appropriate.  In response a Member asked if the application were approved if the decision notice could encourage dialogue between the applicant and neighbours.

·        The application was an extension with little visual impact.

·        The Transportation Manager considered the proposal to be acceptable.

·        The Parish Council supported the proposal.

·        It was noted that condition 11 required passing places along the C1064 approval for which would have to be granted by Powys County Council and clarification was sought on how this process would be managed.  The Lead Development Manager (LDM) commented that cross-border issues of this nature were dealt with in a straightforward manner. The applicant would apply to Powys CC.  Herefordshire Council would be consulted.  The proposed condition prevented development until the passing places had been established..

·        The route to and from the site was a recognised National Cycle Route(NCR 25) and information was sought on the development’s effect on the route.  It was also asked if Powys CC could be asked to designate the route as a quiet lane.

·        It was asked in relation to condition 5 relating to the external lighting scheme if the authority could consult with the National observatory on the detail of the scheme.  The LDM suggested that an informative could be added requesting the applicant to undertake an informal consultation with the observatory, noting that the council would be undertaking a formal consultation as part of the consideration of the scheme.

·        As an environmental permit was not required from the Environment Agency for a scheme of the size proposed, the council would be responsible for the enforcement of the proposed manure management plan including the impact on water quality from manure spreading.  It was asked how this would be managed and what account that plan would take of off-site spreading.

·        The DM confirmed that the MMP would deal with off-site spreading. The proposed condition was to ensure compliance with the MMP.

The LDM commented that the enforcement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57