To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Polly Andrews, Dave Boulter, Jacqui Carwardine, Dave Davies and Catherine Gennard.

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

Councillor Frank Cornthwaite acted as a substitute for Councillor Dave Davies.

Councillor Liz Harvey acted as substitute for Councillor Dave Boulter

Councillor Chris Bartrum acted as a substitute for Councillor Polly Andrews

To receive declarations of interests in respect of items on the agenda.

Councillor Stef Simmons declared a personal interest in agenda item no.6, Sapness Farm; the family of the applicant was known to Councillor Simmons.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 23 October 2024.

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 October be approved.

To receive any announcements from the Chairperson.

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.

Proposed self-build dwelling and garage.

Application approved, in accordance with 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 attached to these minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Robinson spoke on behalf of Stretton Sugwas Parish Council, and Mr Vaughn, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained the frustration caused by the submission of the application after the appeal upheld by the Planning Inspectorate for a development close to the application site. The lane to the application site formed a dangerous junction with the A438 and the addition of a further house in this area created potential risk to highways safety. The junction with the A438 was unsafe with compromised sight lines. The lane to the application site required additional passing places to address highway safety concerns and extra car movement on the lane would cause an adverse impact on the local Wye Valley Walk public right of way.

The committee debated the application. The highway safety concerns relating to the site and nearby junction with the A438 were understood. There was frustration that the recently upheld appeal for another application locally had overturned the earlier objection from the Highways Team to further development in the area.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. In summary, she explained that it was disappointing that the safety of local residents could not be taken into account due to the appeal upheld on a local development 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 necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

Standard Conditions

1.         C01 – Time Limit for Commencement

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.         C06 – Development in accordance with approved plans

The development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans, 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, Policies SS4 and SS7 of the Stretton Sugwas Neighbourhood Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

3.         CBK – Restriction on working hours during construction

During the construction phase no machinery shall be operated, no process shall be carried out and no deliveries taken at or despatched from the site outside the following times: Monday-Friday 7.00 am-6.00 pm, Saturday  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.