Erection of polytunnels to cover cherry orchard and construction of a balance pond.

The application was approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The Principal 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, Miss Watson, representing some of the local residents, spoke in objection to the application and Mr Hammond, the applicant, spoke in support.

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

·         There had been 120 letters of objection and 50 letters of support for the application, however Huntington only had an electoral roll of 88.

·         The National Planning Policy Framework supported sustainable economic growth; the expansion and diversification in agriculture; and also stated that the Council should seek to approve sustainable development.

·         The Council’s officers did not object to the application.

·         There was no evidence to suggest that polytunnels affected tourism.

The debate was opened with a member noting that he was disappointed that the cherry trees had already been planted prior to planning permission being granted. He also noted the concerns of the local residents in response to comments regarding the lack of local employment opportunities, however he considered that in his experience with fruit farms in his area, local people did not apply for the jobs when they were advertised. In summing up he drew Members attention to the time limited nature of the application and considered that it should be approved.

Members discussed the application and voiced some concern in respect of the proposed landscaping condition. They noted that screening could take some time to mature and requested that mature screening be incorporated to reduce any impact on the neighbouring dwellings.

There was some debate in respect of the possible impact the application would have on tourism in the area. It was noted that tourism bought £412,000,000 into the Herefordshire economy in 2012 and that this should not be jeopardised through any development.

In response to the points raised, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the Transportation Manager had not objected to the applications and that workers were currently being transported from Ledbury to a neighbouring site, therefore traffic movements would not increase. He also advised that landscaping, as well as a 30m buffer zone, had been offered by the applicant. Members noted the condition and requested that any landscaping had to have an immediate effect.

Another Member of the Committee had concerns in respect of the application and its impact on the neighbouring bed and breakfast business. He asked Members to consider all of the local businesses that could be affected by the proposed polytunnels. He noted the Officer’s comments but stated that there would be additional vehicular movements as workers would still need to be transported between the two sites. He also expressed concerns regarding landscaping and questioned whether the polytunnels would ever be able to blend into the landscape.

Some further concern was expressed in respect of highway movements with members noting that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32

Erection of polytunnels to cover cherry orchard and construction of a balance pond.