To receive apologies for absence.

(The meeting started at 10:15 a.m.; the delay to the start time had been caused by technical issues. The Chairman announced a change to the order of items; application 204443 – land adjacent to Old Kilns would be the last applications to be considered.)

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ann-Marie Probert.

To receive details of any Member nominated to attend the meeting in place of a Member of the Committee.

Councillor John Stone acted as a substitute for Councillor Probert.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of Schedule 1, Schedule 2 or Other Interests from members of the committee in respect of items on the agenda.

Councillor Polly Andrew declared an other interest in application 220369 – Hereford Leisure Centre (cycle track) as a member of Hereford City Council.

Councillor Jeremy Milln declared an other interest in application 220369 – Hereford Leisure Centre (cycle track) as a member of Hereford City Council.

Councillor Elizabeth Foxton declared an other interest in application 220369 – Hereford Leisure Centre (cycle track) as a member of Hereford City Council.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 29 June 2022.

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the meeting held on 29 June 2022 be approved.

(There was an adjournment at 10:22 a.m.; the meeting reconvened at 10:27 a.m.)

Installation of a new 1.03km closed circuit cycle track with associated external works including perimeter fencing, learn to ride areas, skill based off road areas and perimeter lighting. The installation of a social hub comprising of three individual reused shipping containers with associated outdoor seating area.

Approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Polly Andrew left the committee to act as local Ward member for the next application.)

The principal planning officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Kerry, spoke on behalf of Hereford City Council and Mr Haines spoke on behalf of the applicant in support of the application.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary she expressed support for the application.

The committee debated the application.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. In summary she emphasised the importance of the landscaping plan in the application.

A motion to approve the application, consistent with the case officer’s recommendation, was proposed by Councillor John Hardwick and seconded by Councillor Paul Andrews. The motion was put to the vote and carried unanimously.

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.              Time limit for commencement (full permission)

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.              Development in accordance with the approved plans

The development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans, drawing no’s:

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-90013 received 24.06.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-90006 received 24.06.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-90005 received 24.06.22

·       15671-DB3-B01-XX-DR-A-90003 received 24.06.22

·       15671-DB3-B01-XX-DR-A-90002 received 24.06.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-90001 received 24.06.22

·       15671-DB3-B01-00-DR-E-63001 received 13.04.22

·       15671-DB3-B01-00-DR-E-63002 received 13.04.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-90007 received 11.4.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-90004 received 11.4.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-90000 received 11.4.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-20301 received 11.4.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-20202 received 11.4.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-20201 received 11.4.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-20200 received 11.4.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-XX-DR-A-20000 received 11.4.22

·       15671-DB3-S01-00-DR-A-20100 received 11.4.22

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 Framework.

3.              Landscaping Plan

With the exception of site clearance and groundworks, no further development shall commence until a landscape scheme is submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The scheme shall include a scaled plan identifying:

Reason: To safeguard and enhance the character and amenity of the area in order to conform with policies SS6, LD1 and LD3 of the Herefordshire Local Plan - Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework 2021.

4.              Landscaping Implementation

The hard and soft landscape works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details (insert drawing no if appropriate) before any part of the development is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

Change of use of land from agricultural to equestrian and construction of small stable block.

Application approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation, with an alteration to the conditions.

(Councillor Paul Andrews left the committee to act as local ward member for the next application.)

The senior planning officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Ms Hoppe, spoke on behalf of Bartestree and Lugwardine Group Parish Council.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary he explained that the application was a well-conceived design with positive elements such as rain water harvesting.

The committee debated the application. The committee sought the inclusion of the requirement for rainwater harvesting in condition 6. The committee sought the enhancement of condition 5 to strengthen arrangements for the storage and disposal of manure; in particular the location to be used for the storage of manure.

The lead development manager confirmed that the alterations to the conditions would be implemented through the delegation to offices contained in the recommendation.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.

A motion to approve the application consistent with the case officer’s recommendation and the alterations to the conditions, as listed above, was proposed by Councillor Boulter and seconded by Councillor John Stone. The motion was put to the vote and carried unanimously.

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions, altered conditions 5 and 6, and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

1.         C01 (Time Limit for Commencement)

2.         C07 (Development in accordance with approved plans and schedule of materials)

3.         CNS – The stable block hereby approved shall be for private use only for the benefit of the occupiers of land adjacent to Rhystone Cottage, Lugwardine, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 4AP and shall not be used for any commercial riding, training, breeding or any other form of equestrian enterprise at any time.

Reason: In order to safeguard the character and amenity of the area and the local highways network and to comply with policy SD1, RA6 and MT1 of Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework 2021.

4.         CNS – At no time shall any external lighting except in relation to the immediate safe use of the approved development be installed or operated in association with the approved development and no permanently illuminated external lighting shall be operated at any time, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority. All lighting installed shall demonstrate compliance with latest best practice guidance relating to lighting and protected species-wildlife available from the Institution of Lighting Professionals.

Reason: To ensure that all species and local intrinsically dark landscape are protected having regard to The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, as amended by the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019’ (the ‘Habitats Regulations’), Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981 amended); National Planning Policy Framework, NERC Act (2006) and policy SS6, LD1 and LD3 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy.

5.         CNS – Unless otherwise approved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Outline application with all matters reserved for the residential development of 3 dwellings.

Application refused contrary to the case officer’s recommendation.

The senior 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 Akers, spoke on behalf Walford Parish Council, and Mr Kendrick, spoke on behalf of local residents, an objection to the application.

In accordance with the council's constitution the proxy for the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary he commented that the application was not sustainable as there were very limited facilities locally. The local road network was not suitable for construction traffic. The local housing land supply had been achieved therefore there was not a pressing need for additional development in this location. The development was contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework which sought to restrict development in isolated locations. The application would have adverse effects upon the local wildlife. The water run-off from the site and surrounding hill was a significant problem which would be exacerbated by the proposed development. The proposed development was contrary to SS1 as it was unsustainable and SS4 due to the impact on the local traffic network. Furthermore the application was contrary to: SS7 as it increased the need to travel by private car; SS6 due to its impact on the local environment; and RA1 as the proposed number of houses was disproportionate to the size of Howle Hill. The neighbourhood development plan (NDP) was at an advanced stage and should be given more weight. The application would have an adverse effect upon the climate and ecological emergency which the council was committed to tackling.

The committee debated the application.

The proxy for the local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate and explained that government regulations regarding the climate and ecological emergency were not sufficient therefore local decision-making needed to seek to address the emergency. The local housing target had been achieved. The local area was not suitable for this form of development. The planning appeal concerning another development site locally was not considered relevant due to the significance difference with the current application.

The Lead Development Manager advised that Howle Hill was identified in the Core Strategy as an area for housing growth and was therefore considered a sustainable location. Developments of this nature was not dissimilar to a site nearby which was allowed on appeal and was the form of ‘organic growth’ that members had requested for such areas. The NDP could only be afforded limited weight in the planning balance due to objections to the settlement boundary which the examiner would have to consider.

A motion that the application be refused as it represented unsustainable development and was located in open countryside was proposed by Councillor Polly Andrews and seconded by Councillor Felicity Norman. The unsustainable nature of the application was contrary to policies WALF4 and WALF20 of the Walford NDP. The location of the development in open countryside was contrary to policies  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

Date of next site inspection – 30 August 2022

Date of next meeting – 31 August 2022

Noted.