Dwelling for stud workers at equine centre.

Dwelling for stud workers at equine centre.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Morgan representing the views of Much Marcle Parish Council and Mr Pope, a neighbouring resident, spoke in objection to the application and Mr Goldworthy, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

Councillor BA Durkin, the Local Ward Member, noted that the application was for reserved matters only as the principal of a stud worker’s dwelling on the site had been approved by the Inspector at appeal. He felt that the dwelling would be beneficial to a thriving rural business and noted that it was in an appropriate location on the site. He therefore moved the recommendation.

Members discussed the application and requested clarification as to the nature of the accommodation. There was some concern as to whether the application was for a singular stud worker and family or for a number of stud workers in a shared house. In response to a number of questions raised by Members, the Southern Team Leader advised that the Inspector had accepted that there was a labour requirement for up to 6 stud workers on the site and that the dwelling may be inhabited by a single worker and their family or by 3 stud workers in a shared household as both met the functional need outlined by the Inspector and both would still be regarded as a single dwelling with regard to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order. He added that any further application for additional housing on the site would have to demonstrate an essential functional need and would then be determined on its merits.

In response to a question regarding an occupancy condition, the Southern Team leader advised Members that the outline planning permission contained a suitable standard condition to restrict the occupancy of the dwelling solely to an employee of the farm and his/her family.

In response to concerns raised by Members, the local ward member advised that the office in the dwelling was essential to promote the business. He noted that the applicants currently used a Portakabin as an office, and added that the new office would result in the removal of the aforementioned Portakabin.

RESOLVED

That approval of reserved matters is approved subject to the following conditions:

1          C01 (Samples of external materials)

Reason: To ensure that the materials harmonise with the surroundings so as to ensure that the development complies with the requirements of Policy DR1 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan

2          F07 (Domestic use only of garage)

Reason: To ensure that the garage is used only for the purposes ancillary to the dwelling and to comply with Policy H18 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

3          F14 (Removal of permitted development rights)

Reason: In order to protect the character and amenity of the locality, to maintain the amenities of adjoining property and to comply with Policy H13 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

4          Prior to the first occupation of the dwelling hereby approved, the existing office acommodation shall be permanently removed from the site in accordance with details to be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

            Reason: In recognition of the premanent office accomodation provided within the approved dwelling and in the interests of enhancing the character and appearance of the site and surroundings in accordance with Policy DR1 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

INFORMATIVES:

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

2          N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans

3          N09 – Approval of reserved matters