Proposed creation of a new permanent access for agricultural vehicles from Warren Lane.

Application refused contrary to the case officer’s recommendation.

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda, as provided in the update sheet and appended to these minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Dr Bradney, spoke in objection to the application, and Ms Broadstock, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local award member spoke on the application, he explained that the application has led to a lot of residents putting in objections to Herefordshire Council and many of the residents have also contacted the local ward member himself. Warren Lane is a very narrow lane, and it is not wide enough for it to be possible for an entrance turn for tractors. The parish council have strongly opposed the application, which follows on from the retrospective planning application P221376F for the new barn itself. The gradient of the lane is also very steep. Flooding will be exacerbated with run-off in this narrow lane which at the foot of the lane is the Rudhall Brook which often floods. It was noted that the application was in conflict with policies AST12 and AST13 of the Aston Ingham NDP.

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

-          The existence of an ancient hedgerow should only be removed if deemed absolutely necessary.

-          The existing topography of the sunken lane which would be exacerbated by the creation of this access.

-          Warren Lane is very narrow, and hedges are very high. Driving down this lane was very difficult, and it would be difficult to imagine tractors turning into that lane without causing damage to the hedgerows.

-          Concern with an increase to surface water run-off on the lane.

-          The potential damage to existing wildlife and biodiversity in the area.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. He thanked the committee for the debate and asked that members refuse the application.

A motion that the application be refused due to concerns relating to core strategy polices LD1 in terms of character. LD3 in terms of connectivity and biodiversity impact. MT1 in terms of highway safety. Aston Ingham NDP polices AST12 in respect of traffic generation and AST13 with relation to water drainage. This was proposed by Councillor Dave Davies and seconded by Councillor Stef Simmons. The motion was put to the vote and carried unanimously

Resolved – that:

The application be refused due to concerns relating to core strategy polices LD1, LD3, and MT1; and Aston Ingham NDP polices AST12 and AST13.