Two new sleep/feed barns for beef cattle, new straw barn and new silage barn.

Two new sleep/feed barns for beef cattle, new straw barn and new silage barn.

The following updates were reported:

§          The comments of the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Officer had been received and were summarised (no objections).

§          Amended plans had been received which deleted the attenuation pond, handed the silage and straw barns and repositioned them back in line with new unit 3.  Therefore, the recommendation was changed to omit reference to the need for amended plans.

§          The table at paragraph 1.4 of the report should give the height of the silage clamp as 11.76m rather than 1.176m.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Eyles spoke in objection to the application and Mr. Wheeler spoke in support of the application.

The Principal Planning Officer drew attention to the comments of the Conservation Manager (Landscape), in particular that ‘the proposed development of the site is acceptable and the landscape has the capacity to accommodate these large buildings’ subject to substantial landscaping.

Councillor RI Matthews, the Local Ward Member, noted the concerns of Breinton Parish Council and local residents about the scale of the buildings, the landscape impact and impact on residential amenity; particularly on Warham Court Cottages to the north of the site.  In response to questions from Councillor Matthews, the Principal Planning Officer advised that:

§          The buildings could not be accommodated in an orchard, near to the listed farmhouse, as that the orchard was protected and development there could damage local habitat.

§          The authority could not prevent agricultural vehicles from using the access adjacent to Warham Court Cottages but a condition could be added to restrict the use of this access by construction traffic.  It was noted that improvements to the access would also be required.

§          A condition would require slab levels to be confirmed.

§          The Environmental Health and Trading Standards Officer had not raised any objections to the scheme.  It was noted that officers had expressed concerns about the attenuation pond but this had been removed from the application completely.

The Development Control Manager advised that, whilst there would be an impact on the landscape and on residential amenity, officers considered that there was clear agricultural justification for the development and, subject to the measures to mitigate the impact as identified in there report, the application was considered acceptable.

In view of the officers’ advice, Councillor Matthews noted that refusal of planning permission might not be defensible if challenged and considered it essential that there was extensive landscaping between the new building and the adjoining dwellings.  He proposed that the application be approved but subject to further discussions on the landscaping scheme, in consultation with the Parish Council and himself as the Local Ward Member.

Councillor SJ Robertson commented on the challenges facing the agricultural sector and supported the views of the Local Ward Member.

Councilllor PJ Edwards suggested that mature tree specimens should be included as part of the landscaping scheme.  Given the scale of the buildings and the removal of the attenuation pond, Councillor Edwards also asked that further consideration be given to opportunities to re-use surface water as part of ensuing discussions with the applicant.

In response to questions from Councillor DB Wilcox, the Principal Planning Officer outlined recent legislation about the stockpiling of dung and explained the practical reasons for the height of the silage clamp.  The Principal Planning Officer also confirmed that dark materials would be used for the roof sheeting in order to reduce visual impact.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to further discussions regarding the landscaping scheme in consultation with the Local Ward Member and Parish Council, planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.      A01 (Time limit for commencement (full permission)).

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

2.      G01 (Earthworks).

Reason: In order to ensure that the development conforms with Policies DR1 and LA5 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan).

3.      G12 (Hedgerow planting).

Reason: In order to maintain the visual amenity of the area and to comply with Policy LA6 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

4.      G13 (Tree planting).

Reason: In order to maintain the visual amenity of the area and to comply with Policy LA6 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

5.      The existing access north of the site onto the Class III 1189 road shall be improved, details of which shall be submitted for approval in writing of the local planning authority prior to any works commencing on site.  The approved access shall be finished prior to occupation of the buildings.

Reason: To enable the safe and free flow of traffic using the adjoining county highway and to conform with the requirements of Policy DR3 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

6.      I20 (Scheme of surface water drainage).

Reason: To prevent the increased risk of flooding by ensuring the provision of a satisfactory means of surface water disposal and to comply with Policy DR4 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

7.      I33 (External lighting).

Reason: To safeguard the character and amenities of the area and to comply with Policy DR14 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

8.      I16 (Restriction of hours during construction).

         Reason: To protect the amenity of local residents and to comply with Policy DR13 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

Informatives:

1.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans.

2.      N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC.