Retrospective erection of new stables and turn out paddocks, with associated works.

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

The Senior Planning Officer provided a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Slocombe spoke on behalf of Woolhope Parish Council, Mr Loyd, local resident, spoke in objection to the application and Mr Willis, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with the council’s constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, he explained that there were concerns over the lack of planning controls on the site, resulting from a retrospective application, and the history of certificates of lawful development. The application had previously been deferred by the committee but the reports requested, as part of the deferral, had not been produced. The site was within a sensitive location and was close to an AONB; Core Strategy Policies LD1 and LD2 were relevant. The highway network around the site was not suitable for large vehicles and the defined route to the site, as specified in the travel plan, was not consistently observed by vehicles. This impacted adversely upon highways safety, posing a risk to pedestrians, and the lowering of the weight limit in the travel plan was proposed to reduce the risk of accidents. The increase in the number of horses on the site resulted in additional associated vehicle movements. The collection of manure should be undertaken on a more regular basis.

The committee debated the application. The following principal points were raised during the debate:

·       Concern was expressed regarding the nature of the application as a retrospective application and the cumulative development on site that was occurring without following correct planning process.

·       The inclusion of a requirement for a site-wide Landscape Management Plan within the conditions was raised.

·       It was noted that the hedgerow around the turnout area had been damaged by horses and it was suggested that conditions for the application could be strengthened to ensure the protection of the hedges. Further, it was suggested that a condition to ensure hedgerow diversity on the site should be included in any permission granted.

The Development Manager and the Legal Adviser provided clarification regarding the suggested conditioning of a comprehensive Landscape Management Plan on the site and explained that such a requirement was considered unreasonable. It was confirmed that the management intention for the hedgerow at the paddock and turnout area could be reviewed.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. He explained that the landscape assessment and the travel plan for the site required review. The removal of manure from the site should be undertaken more frequently than twice yearly and the local landscape required protection from the site.

Councillor Bruce Baker proposed and Councillor Richard Thomas seconded a motion that the application be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40