The construction of a clean water attenuation pond for the recycling of storm water.

The construction of a clean water attenuation pond for the recycling of storm water.

The Principal Planning Officer provided details of updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda as follows:

·         The applicants had now agreed to the Heads of Terms.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mrs. Eyles spoke on behalf of Breinton Parish Council and Mr. Wheeler spoke in support of the application.

Councillor RI Matthews, the Local Ward Member, commented on the scale of a recently constructed agricultural stock building, the sensitive nature of the location, that numerous changes had resulted in a lack of clarity about the development of this site, and that local residents were also concerned about possible non-compliance with conditions on previous planning permissions.

In response to questions from Councillor Matthews, the Principal Planning Officer advised that:

·         The position of the pond had been amended during the processing of the application by some 4.5m away from the submitted position but it was considered that the pond would be seen as part of the farm complex and officers were satisfied that the proposal complied with the relevant policies.

·         The pond would be for clean water and, as it would be used to provide livestock drinking water, there would be measures to prevent contamination.

·         The overflow system, to control the release of water through a system of various sized pipe outlets to maintain the water level of the pond, was explained.

·         A further planning application would be needed if any new building was proposed to house pumping equipment.

Councillor Matthews commented that a landscaping scheme had not yet been implemented and felt that this had to be undertaken during the current planting season; adding that screening would help to alleviate some of the concerns of local residents and the parish council.  Councillor Matthews proposed that planning permission be granted but, to ensure rapid implementation, the landscaping scheme be delegated to officers in consultation with himself as Local Ward Member.  He stressed the need for conditions to be adhered to and, as necessary, for thorough and prompt enforcement action.

The Central Team Leader advised that dirty water would be directed to an existing brown water pond and this proposal was for a clean water attenuation pond.  He added that it was not anticipated that there would be any pollution to the River Wye.

In response to a concern expressed by Councillor NL Vaughan about the lack of comment from the Environment Agency given the complexities of the scheme and the potential environmental impacts, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the application was below the size level for consultation with the Environment Agency.

A number of Members supported the views of the Local Ward Member and commented on the importance of the landscaping scheme.

In response to a question from Councillor AJM Blackshaw, the Principal Planning Officer advised that full details of the specification for the disposal of the water from the overflow would be required through a condition.

Councillor PJ Edwards said that he understood the concerns of local residents and the parish council, particularly given the intensification of agricultural activities in this sensitive location and the impact on the quiet lane.  Councillor Edwards suggested that the landscaping scheme should include mature tree specimens to provide immediate and adequate screening.  This was supported by other Members.

Councillor ACR Chappell commended officers on the report, noted the need for sufficient landscaping, questioned if there were measures to prevent the accumulation of surface water on roads, and commented on the importance of farm diversification for the local economy.

Councillor DW Greenow said that the scheme had the potential to become a model for the development of similar farms and he urged the applicant to address the concerns raised.

The Principal Planning Officer reported that discussions had been held with the applicant and the implementation of the landscaping scheme was imminent.  He said that the applicant was prepared to follow the methods and combination of planting recommended by the Council's Landscape Officer and officers would be happy to work with the Local Ward Member to ensure a satisfactory outcome.  He also reported that there had been a discussion with the applicant about measures to address the concern about surface water on roads.

RESOLVED:

That   planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

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

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

2.      The clean water attenuation pond hereby permitted shall be completed and available for use within six months of the date of this permission.

         Reason: In order to ensure that a suitable surface water drainage system is operated to serve the development and to comply with Policy E16 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

3.   Notwithstanding the details shown on the approved plans and prior to the commencement of development, details of the precise route and specification for the disposal of the water from the overflow shall be submitted for approval in writing of the local planning authority.  The dispersal shall be undertaken in strict accordance with the approved details.

         Reason: Insufficient detail was shown on the submitted plans and to ensure that the development accords with the requirements of Policies DR6 and E13 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

4.      G10 (Landscaping scheme).

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

5.      G11 (Landscaping scheme - implementation).

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

6.      Prior to the commencement of the development details of any pumping system to be installed for the operation of the development shall be submitted for any approval in writing by the local planning authority.

         Reason: In order to ensure that a suitable surface water drainage system is operated to serve the development and to comply with Policy E16 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

Informatives:

1.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans.

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