Proposed poultry units extension:- 3 no replacement units, 3 no additional units.

The Principal Planning Officer (Minerals and Waste) gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided; the schedule of committee updates is appended to these minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Young, a neighbouring resident, spoke in objection to the application and Mr Foxley, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor KS Guthrie, the local ward member and Councillor SJ Robertson, the neighbouring ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

• There were concerns regarding the cumulative traffic movements to and from the site.
• Need to be mindful of the high levels of traffic using the A49 on a daily basis.
• AmeyMouchelle figures were considerably higher than the figures quoted in the report for traffic movements on the A49.
• Concern had been raised in respect of the night time food deliveries, could these be mitigated.
• There were concerns regarding odours from the site.
• The Planning Officer was thanked for arranging a visit to a similar operation in the County.
• It was noted that older poultry sheds did suffer from worse odour problems than the new ones.
• Could the roofs be coloured in such a way to negate the visual impact.
• Mature tree planting would be welcomed when screening was considered.

In response to a number of questions raised by the local ward member, the neighbouring ward member, and the two public speakers, the Principal Planning Officer made the following comments:

·         There had been no objections raised by the Highways Agency or the Council’s Traffic Manager regarding the A49.

·         The only time that a noticeable odour would emit from the sheds would be during ‘turnout time’, this occurred for approximately 4 hours once every 6 weeks.

·         The proposed sheds would be further away from the objector’s home.

·         Landscaping and the finished colour of the sheds could be agreed in consultation with the local ward member and the Chairman.

·         Delivery times could not be restricted to normal business hours.

·         Ammonia levels were considerably lower under the new proposal than the current levels.

Members had some concerns regarding the impact the application would have on the highways infrastructure and felt it imperative that sufficient traffic control measures were put in place. Concerns were also raised in respect of the nature of the screening proposed, Members noted that the screening could be agreed at a later date but wished it to be recorded that the use of mature trees would be welcomed in order to mitigate any possible visual impact.

Despite these concerns Members noted that the poultry farming techniques were developing and that there was a need for modern poultry sheds. They noted the comments from the Principal Planning Officer regarding the improvement to animal welfare standards that the new sheds would offer.

Councillors Guthrie and Robertson were given the opportunity to close the debate in accordance with the Council’s Constitution. Councillor Guthrie requested that as local ward member she be consulted with in respect of landscaping and the finish of the sheds. Councillor Robertson advised Members that she had been assured that Cargill’s animal welfare standards were of a high standard and noted that birds were fed and watered on demand.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted (taking the submitted environmental information into consideration) subject to the following conditions:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         B01 Development in accordance with the approved plans

3.         C09 Details of cladding (agricultural and industrial buildings)

4.         Before the development hereby permitted is brought into first use, a comprehensive Method Statement for the management of waste and poultry litter shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The scheme shall include in particular the recommendations and points listed in Section 4.4 and Appendix 7 (and its own appendix) of the submitted Environmental Statement and shall be implemented as approved from the first stocking cycle of the new units.

            Reason: To ensure efficient waste management and reduce the risk of odour nuisance in the interests of the amenity of the locality and to comply with Policies S2, S2, DR1, DR4, DR9 and E16 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

5.         I18 Scheme for foul and surface water drainage

6.         G04 Protection of trees/hedgerows that are to be retained

7.         G13 Tree planting

8.         I33 External lighting

9.         The recommendations set out in Section 3 'Protection of Habitats and Mitigation Measures' of the submitted FWAG Report dated 26 June 2009 shall be implemented in full unless otherwise agreed in writing in advance by the local planning authority.  An appropriately qualified and experienced named Ecological Clerk of Works shall be appointed (or consultant engaged in that capacity) to oversee the ecological and habitat enhancement work.

            Reason: To ensure all species are protected having regard to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and Policies NC1, NC6, NC7, NC8 and NC9 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan and to meet the requirements of PPS9 'Biodiversity and Geological Conservation' and the NERC Act 2006.

10.       M13 Pollution prevention

11.       I16 Restriction of hours during construction

12.       No waste materials arising from this development shall be transported on the public highway unless they are contained within sealed, securely covered vehicles.

            Reason: In the interests of highway safety, to safeguard the amenity of the area and to comply with Policies S1, S2, DR1, DR4 and T8 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan 2007.

Informatives:

1.         N11A Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) - Birds

2.         N19 Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans

3.         N15 Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC

4.         The tree planting scheme required by condition 7 should include a proportion of mature specimens or at least fast-growing native species, and the list of species (and the proportions) given in the submitted Appendix 9 to the Environmental Statement may need to be reviewed.  Please contact the case officer to discuss before final submission. 

5          Any external lighting proposals to be submitted under condition 8 should be low wattage, on a timing mechanism and shaded so as to direct light downwards to avoid light pollution.  Submitted details should include these precautions.  Any further practical measures to reduce light emission on other parts of the farm would be welcomed.