Proposed demolition of Former Park Hall Ballroom and Erection of 5 Dwellings and 15 Timber Holiday Lodges, reception area and associated works.

Application approved, in accordance with 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, Ms Cooke on behalf of Much Birch Parish Council spoke in objection and Mrs Rogan spoke in support of the application.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member, Councillor Thomas, and thereafter, the adjoining ward member, Councillor Fagan spoke on the application. Councillor Thomas commented that there is a lot of merit in this application and identified the building of the holiday lodges as supporting tourism in the local area. He added that the applicant is taking her own financial risk and it is not for the committee to comment on that particular issue. Houses are needed in the local area and it was good to see that 3-bedroom houses were prioritised. Noise concerns have been adequately addressed by the applicant who is prepared to put screening in place. Councillor Thomas stressed his support for the application and hoped that committee members would vote in favour of it.

The adjoining ward member, Councillor Fagan acknowledged the challenges for the applicants to find a viable option for the site, however, she cited a number of concerns including those of Llanwarne and Much Birch Parish Councils respectively. The number of conditions that the application is subject to was of concern to the adjoining ward member and the scale of the holiday lodges have encountered multiple objections from parish councils and local residents. The lack of S106 contributions arising from the application was also raised. In terms of tourism facilities, there aren’t any and therefore creating better facilities on-site would provide better activities for families and could be accessible to local residents and this could help improve the attractiveness of the site. There are also concerns on the internal road and the use of that road by HGVs and tractors to access behind the site. Councillor Fagan added that the internal road will likely become much busier and narrower as a result of the application proposals and the Herefordshire Trail could be consequently impacted. Potential impact on local wildlife and habitats was also raised.

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

-          The application would help support the local economy of the area through the growth of tourism to the county.

-          The viability of the site was not a matter for the committee but rather for the applicant.

-          Protection of the Herefordshire Trail was added as a point of concern.

-          The protection of trees on the site was noted, however, it was addressed that certain conditions would be put in place to identify and protect particular trees and shrubbery which would then be shared with the tree officer for review and confirmation.

-          The lack of S106 contributions through housing and in particular the building of affordable housing on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52