Demolition of steel frame buildings, conversion of existing brick and timber clad farm buildings and construction of new single storey units to provide accommodation for ex-service personnel with communal and visitor rooms.

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

(Demolition of steel frame buildings, conversion of existing brick and timber clad farm buildings and construction of new single storey units to provide accommodation for ex-service personnel with communal and visitor rooms.)

The Development Manager gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr P Whitehead of Bosbury and Coddington Parish Council spoke in support of the Scheme.  Mr A Bower, the applicant, also spoke in support.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor AW Johnson, spoke on the application.  He expressed his support for the application, praising the aspiration of the scheme and noting the Parish Council’s support for it.

In the Committee’s discussion of the application several members welcomed the support the scheme would provide to ex-service personnel.

It was observed that an element of the proposal was contrary to policy and possibly highlighted an omission in the exception criteria in policy RA3.

Clarification was sought regarding condition 9 which related to a situation in the event that the charity ceased to operate.  Officers confirmed that the condition was enforceable should such a situation arise.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He had no additional comment.

Councillor Greenow moved the recommendation as printed and this was seconded by Councillor Holton.  This was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         B01 Development in accordance with the approved plans

3.         C03 Matching external materials (general)

4.         C01 Samples of external materials

5.         Prior to commencement of the development, a detailed habitat enhancement scheme should be submitted to and be approved in writing by the local planning authority, and the scheme shall be implemented as approved.

            Reason: To ensure that all species are protected and habitats enhanced having regard to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994 (as amended) and Policy LD2 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework, NERC 2006

6.         G10 Landscaping scheme

7.         I17 Scheme of foul drainage disposal

8.         I20 Scheme of surface water drainage

9.         In the event that the charity cease to operate the occupation of the new build units shall revert to a person solely or mainly working or last working, in the locality in agriculture  or in forestry, or a widow or widower of such a person, and to any resident dependants.

            Reason: To ensure compliance with policy RA3 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy in the event that the charity ceases to operate.

INFORMATIVES:

1.         The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations, including any representations that have been received. It has subsequently determined to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework. 

2.         The enhancement plan should include details and locations of any proposed Biodiversity/Habitat enhancements as referred to in NPPF and HC Core Strategy. In addition to any bat mitigation/compensation required by a European protected Species Licence, at a minimum we would be looking for significant proposals to enhance bat roosting, bird nesting and invertebrate/pollinator homes to be incorporated in to the new/converted space buildings as well as consideration for hedgehog houses and unrestricted hedgehog movement in and around the development and amphibian/reptile refugia within the landscaping/boundary features. No external lighting should illuminate any of the enhancements or boundary features beyond any existing illumination levels and all lighting on the development should support the Dark Skies initiative.