Proposed campsite for 5 demountable tents (6 month holiday season).

The application was refused contrary to the case officer’s recommendation.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Hunter, a neighbouring resident, spoke in objection to the application, and Mr Robey, the applicant, spoke in support.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor GJ Powell, the local ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The electoral roll listed Bacton as having 50 residents.

·         This application had resulted in more letters of objection than any other application in Bacton over the last 18 months.

·         The Parish Council had echoed the concerns of the local residents.

·         There was no objection in principle although there was a concern that the tents were not visible from the farmhouse, therefore the location for the tents should be revised.

·         The tents were 240 metres away from the farmhouse, the applicant had been reluctant to change this despite discussions taking place.

·         The nearest shops were 4-5 miles away so visitors would still be dependant on a motor vehicle.

·         The application was not in accordance with Policies DR1 and DR3 of the unitary development plan.

·         Blue light services would not be able to access the site.

·         The buffer zone could not be achieved whilst enabling the woodland owner to still have a 12 ft legal access.

·         Due to the concerns in respect of access, health and safety, site management and the location of the tents, the application should be refused.

The debate was opened with a Member of the Committee speaking in support of the application. He was of the opinion that the application highlighted the unique selling points of the county and enabled visitors to see rural Herefordshire at its finest. He did however note that there was still a requirement to protect the woodland trust and considered that this could best be achieved by educating visitors as to the reasons why they should not scavenge wood for fires. He noted the concerns in respect of the location of the proposed tents but considered that the proposed area for the tents appeared to be the most suitable area on the site due to its topography. Finally he requested that appropriate monitoring of the site be undertaken to ensure that the tents were taken down over the winter months and then re-erected in spring.

Members continued to discuss the application and whilst broadly in support they did highlight some concerns including the possible risk of fire through the stoves and cookers which were proposed to be located inside the tents. Further concerns related to the apparent lack of a site management plan, although it was noted that this would be required prior to any of the tents being occupied; the right of access to the site; the proposed siting of the tents; and the difficulty in accessing the site by the emergency services.

Members continued to discuss the application with a number highlighting that the proposed usage was a low impact use and therefore a good farm diversification. However in supporting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85