Proposed extension to existing pub with 10 bed accommodation and 2 staff dwellings.

The application was approved contrary to the Case Officer’s recommendation.

The Senior Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Ms Coombes, the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor JG Jarvis, the Leader of the Council speaking in his capacity as the local ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The application related to a popular public house which fell within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

·         There was not a shop in the village although the public house did have planning consent to open a small shop on the site.

·         There was a village hall nearby which was often oversubscribed so the meeting facilities applied for would be welcomed.

·         There was a need to improve tourism facilities throughout the County, the application would result in improved facilities for visitors to the area.

·         The staff quarters applied for only resulted in a net increase of 1 room.

·         The applicants had always worked closely with the local community; this had led to a number of previous applications being withdrawn.

·         A number of the local residents had supported the application. There was also a petition of support within the public house which had gained a number of signatures.

·         The main issue seemed to be around the site being deemed as in open countryside due to the settlement boundary falling within Coughton and not Walford.

·         The forthcoming Parish Plan would be including this area for housing development as the Parish Council felt that it was not within the open countryside.

The debate was opened with a Member discussing the merits of the application. It was noted that the application was in compliance with Policies RST1 and RST2. It was felt that there was a functional need for staff accommodation on the site to service the proposed additional accommodation block which meant the application was also in accordance with policy H7 of the UDP. It was also noted that the local residents would not be adversely affected due to the proposed screening.

The Locum Lawyer (Planning and Regulatory) noted that a motion had been tabled to approve the application contrary to the case officer’s recommendation. She requested confirmation from the Member who had moved the motion that they were of the opinion that the application was in accordance with Policy H7 of the Council’s Unitary Development Plan as there was, in their opinion, a functional need for the staff accommodation.

The Development Manager (Hereford and Southern Localities) concurred with the Locum Lawyer (Planning and Regulatory) and stated that Policy H7 of the UDP was key in determining the application and that Members had to decide whether they were of the opinion that the staff accommodation was necessary on the site.

Members confirmed that the accommodation was required and that the functional need was met, and therefore the application complied with Policy H7,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 152