To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Polly Andrews, Dave Boulter, Dan Powell and Diana Toynbee.

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

Councillor Louis Stark acted as a substitute for Councillor Polly Andrews.

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.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2023.

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2023 be approved.

To receive any announcements from the Chairperson.

Residential development of the site and associated works comprising the conversion of traditional agricultural building to four dwellings, and the replacement of modern agricultural buildings with four new- build dwellings.

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

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Saunders spoke on behalf of Llangarron Parish Council, the Clerk read out a written statement by Mr Thackeray on behalf of local residents who object, and Mr Tompkins, the applicant's agent, spoke in support of the application.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local award member spoke on the application, she explained that the application has local support for the conversion of local stone buildings as long as they are carried out sensitively. Instead, the application’s proposal to remove modern farm buildings with new dwellings is where local people and the parish council is not supported as this is contrary to NDP policy and RA3 of the Core Strategy. The local ward member asked members to consider whether the fall-back position, the existing class Q permission, was sufficient enough to set aside the aforementioned NDP and RA3.

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

-          The new barns are not sympathetic to the existing farmstead and historic buildings.

-          The conversion of the old barns appears to have local support whilst the conversion of the new barns are already covered by Class Q which means that even if the application is refused, then Class Q will come into play and the old barns will be converted but not to a standard that this application would allow.

-          The site needs to be developed as a whole and conditions will come into play and local stone, for example, can be used which covers the objections against the new barns’ design and appearance.

-           

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. She explained that Class Q should not be used as leverage to determine the outcome of the application. She thanked members for the debate and awaited the outcome.

A motion that the application be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Bruce Baker and seconded by Councillor Clare Davies. 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 plans (drawing nos. P002C; P003D; P100B; P101B; P102B; P103B; P104A; P105A; P106A; P107A; Permissive path route), 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

Proposed residential development of 25 dwellings along with new access and associated works.

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

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Mears spoke on behalf of Kimbolton Parish Council and Mr Robinson spoke in objection to the application.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local award member spoke on the application, he referred to outline planning permission from December 2015 that was given for the development of up to 21 dwellings in the field adjoining A4112 and Chestnut Avenue. The application was then revised made in full as opposed to outline for 25 dwellings. Kimbolton Parish Council supported the 2018 application and was endorsed as part of the Kimbolton NDP which was supported in their local referendum. Since 2018, there has been an issue of phosphate with the application site within the hydrological catchment of the River Lugg and progress was stalled for four years. The council’s approach is to offer phosphate credits as they become available and they are now available for the application proposal and on the basis of mitigation provided, positive appropriate assessment has now been completed. Natural England agrees that with the appropriate nutrient neutrality in place, there are no adverse effects on the River Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The most significant change from the 2018 report has been the applicants’ agreement to increase the number of affordable housing from 4 to 6 although the total number remains the same. Whilst the affordable housing element of 24% is not as high as originally proposed in 2015, this is a significant improvement. Kimbolton PC requested that affordable housing is offered strictly to local persons with family or similar historical connections, and it is pleasing that the affordable housing units are to be offered to those with a local connection. It was noted that the parish council have asked to be directly consulted on the allocation of Section 106 monies, set aside specifically for the community of Kimbolton, and hopes that this will be agreed. It was added that drainage and flooding are the main issue of concern raised during consultation. Highway safety was also raised as a concern for the village and the provision of traffic calming is a priority for the parish council. It was requested that the parish council are involved in discussing all traffic related proposals with the relevant officer. The local ward member requested that extra sporting facilities and equipment be provided as part of the S106 agreement.

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

-          The building of both affordable housing and bungalows was welcomed by members.

-          Pleased with improvement in planning contribution by developer, particularly in relation to affordable housing.

-          The principle of development was supported in this location with existing bus route and road links cited as supporting factors.

-          The use of materials are to be in keeping with the surrounding area in terms of design and appearance.

-          Flooding and drainage could be exacerbated by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

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.

Proposed single storey garage including garden room/home office.

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

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the council's constitution, the local award member spoke on the application. He expressed no objections to the application and recommended members vote in favour.

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

A motion that the application be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Stef Simmons and seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Foxton. 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. C01 – Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2. C06 – Development in accordance with the approved plans

3. CBO – Scheme of surface water drainage

4. C59 – No Conversion of ancillary building to habitable accommodation

5. C64 – Restriction on separate sale

INFORMATIVES:

1. IP1 – Application approved without amendment

Date of next site inspection – 24 October 2023

Date of next meeting – 25 October 2023

Date of next meeting – 25 October 2023