Residential development of the site and associated works comprising the conversion of traditional agricultural building to four dwellings, and the replacement of modern agricultural buildings with four new- build dwellings.

Application approved, in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Saunders spoke on behalf of Llangarron Parish Council, the Clerk read out a written statement by Mr Thackeray on behalf of local residents who object, and Mr Tompkins, the applicant's agent, spoke in support of the application.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local award member spoke on the application, she explained that the application has local support for the conversion of local stone buildings as long as they are carried out sensitively. Instead, the application’s proposal to remove modern farm buildings with new dwellings is where local people and the parish council is not supported as this is contrary to NDP policy and RA3 of the Core Strategy. The local ward member asked members to consider whether the fall-back position, the existing class Q permission, was sufficient enough to set aside the aforementioned NDP and RA3.

The committee debated the application. During consideration of the application the committee raised the following principal points:

-          The new barns are not sympathetic to the existing farmstead and historic buildings.

-          The conversion of the old barns appears to have local support whilst the conversion of the new barns are already covered by Class Q which means that even if the application is refused, then Class Q will come into play and the old barns will be converted but not to a standard that this application would allow.

-          The site needs to be developed as a whole and conditions will come into play and local stone, for example, can be used which covers the objections against the new barns’ design and appearance.

-           

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. She explained that Class Q should not be used as leverage to determine the outcome of the application. She thanked members for the debate and awaited the outcome.

A motion that the application be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Bruce Baker and seconded by Councillor Clare Davies. The motion was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

Resolved:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

1.                   The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.                   The development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans (drawing nos. P002C; P003D; P100B; P101B; P102B; P103B; P104A; P105A; P106A; P107A; Permissive path route), except where otherwise stipulated by conditions attached to this permission.

Reason. To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interests of a satisfactory form of development and to comply with Policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34