Re-organisation and upgrade of the existing 'Bleathwood lodges country park' to include demolition of existing site buildings, the change of use of the on-site residential property for holiday let, the construction of a replacement facilities/meet and greet building, maintenance building, and the provision of accommodation in the form of 45 lodges, with associated access and parking.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Re-organisation and upgrade of the existing 'Bleathwood lodges country park' to include demolition of existing site buildings, the change of use of the on-site residential property for holiday let, the construction of a replacement facilities/meet and greet building, maintenance building, and the provision of accommodation in the form of 45 lodges, with associated access and parking.)

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking for virtual meetings, Mrs C Whitlock, a local resident, spoke in opposition to the scheme, as a virtual attendee.  Ms E Cass, the applicant’s agent spoke in support of the application also as a virtual attendee.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Stone, spoke on the application.  In summary, he observed that there had been many representations both in support of and in objection to the application including an objection from the Parish Council.  In conclusion, he expressed concern about the sustainability of the application having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework’s three objectives of sustainable development.  He also referenced the local concerns about the scale and possible impacts of the development.

The Committee discussed the application.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He remained concerned about the sustainability of the site.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

1.         The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

            Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990

2.         The development hereby approved shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans and supporting details and the schedule of materials indicated thereon unless other conditions of this Decision Notice dictate otherwise.

            Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans and to protect the general character and amenities of the area in accordance with the requirements of Policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework

Pre Commencement Conditions

3.         No development shall commence until a fully detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and named ‘responsible persons’ shall be supplied to the local planning authority for written approval. The approved CEMP shall be implemented and remain in place until all work is completed on site and all equipment and spare materials have finally been removed. The Construction Management Plan shall include, but is not limited to, the following matters:

•           site management arrangements, including on-site storage of materials, plant and machinery; temporary offices, contractors compounds and other facilities; on-site parking and turning provision for site operatives, visitors and construction vehicles (including cycle parking for staff and visitors); and provision for the loading/unloading of plant and materials within the site

•           wheel washing facilities and other measures to ensure that any vehicle, plant or equipment leaving the application site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17