Proposed erection of self-build dwelling and ancillary outbuildings and creation of access.

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

Councillor Simeon Cole acted as the local ward member for the following application.

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 De La Hay, the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, he explained that the proposal was contrary to elements of the Walford neighbourhood development plan (NDP). The proposal did not accord with Walford NDP policies WALF2 and WALF20. The proposed development did not respect the character of the area, the contemporary design was at odds with other local properties and was too far from existing homes to accord with the requirements of the NDP for new properties. Drainage from the site was a significant concern and questions had been raised regarding the suitability of the compost toilet on the site and the impact this was likely to have on other local properties and water courses. In addition there were concerns about the smell produced from the compost toilet. There was concern that run off from the compost toilet would enter water courses and eventually the river Wye. Before any approval for the application was considered an Environment Agency drainage permit should be secured by the applicant. The impact of the development on the local landscape and views in the area meant the application was contrary to Core Strategy policies SD1 and LD1 and NDP policies WALF17 and WALF4. Due to the inconsistencies of the proposed development with the NDP and the Core Strategy the application should be refused.

The committee debated the application. The committee did not consider that the development had an adverse impact on the landscape as the property was lowered into the development site and was well screened. The use of a steel roof was questioned as being out of keeping with other local properties but it was felt that the property was modest and discreet and would not pose an unacceptable impact on the local landscape. It was noted that the local parish council had no objection to the application. The development had been subject to a habitats regulation assessment and drainage from the property would be subject to an Environment Agency permit.

Councillor Stef Simmons proposed and councillor Polly Andrews 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 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20