Erection of fixed, permanent steel framed, polythene-skinned Spanish polytunnels (9900 square metres gross area approximately) as plant nursery/ propagation houses.

Erection of fixed, permanent steel framed, polythene-skinned Spanish polytunnels (9900 square metres gross area approximately) as plant nursery/ propagation houses.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Chinn, the applicant, spoke in support of his application.

Councillor JG Jarvis, the Local Ward Member advised Members that Herefordshire and Kent were the two primary locations for the growth of asparagus in England. He noted the concerns of the Parish Council but felt that these had been addressed.

In response top a question from the Local Ward Member, the Principal Planning Officer advised Members that the polytunnels were stationary and would not be rotated around the site.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1       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.

2       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.

3       G14 (Landscape management plan)

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

4       In the event of the polytunnels hereby permitted becoming redundant the polytunnels, including the supporting structures and any structures, fixtures and fittings within them, shall be removed from the application site within a period of 6 months.

         Reason:  To ensure that the polytunnels are only retained on site for the period that they are required in connection with the agricultural enterprise so as to comply with Policy LA2 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

5       No polytunnel shall exceed 3.7 metres above existing ground level.

         Reason:  To control the visual impact of the development within the landscape in accordance with Policy LA2 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

6       I21 (Scheme of surface water regulation)

         Reason: To prevent the increased risk of flooding and to comply with Policy DR4 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

7       Within 3 months of the date of this planning permission, an ecological and wildlife enhancement strategy for the Coughton Brook shall be submitted to the local planning authority and implemented as approved and maintained thereafter unless otherwise agreed in writing with the local planning authority.

         Reason:  To comply with Herefordshire Council's Unitary Development Plan Policies NC6, NC8, NC9 in relation to Nature Conservation and Biodiversity and to meet the requirements of PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation and the NERC Act 2006.

8       Within 3 months of the date of this planning permission, an ecological and wildlife enhancement strategy for the section of Castle Brook affected by the 3 applications, including a management plan for the buffer zone and retained pasture, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The planting shall be implemented and maintained in accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To comply with Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan policies NC6, NC8 and NC9 in relation to Nature Conservation and Biodiversity and to meet the requirements of PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation

Informatives:

1.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans

2.      N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of Planning Permission