Light industrial units B1 use.

The Principal Planning Officer 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 Barnett, the applicant, spoke in support of his application.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor PGH Cutter, one of the local ward members, commented on a number of issues, including:

• The primary concerns related to ecology on the site. However the recent survey had found no ecological issues.
• The area was an industrial estate and was therefore an appropriate area for industrial development.
• It was important to promote businesses in Herefordshire’s market towns.
• The issue of the land being ‘built up’ could be addressed by appropriate conditions.

In response to a question, the Senior Planning Officer confirmed that the application was for outline approval only but that the indicative plans did indicate that there would be an access at the back of the units.

Members noted that the site was in a poor condition due to the lack of any general upkeep and the ongoing fly-tipping problem in the area. They felt that the development would improve the site dramatically and also felt that the proposed buffer zone would improve the ecology of the site by encouraging wildlife.

The Development Manager advised Members that the proposal was not acceptable for the site. He added that the site was within an AONB, and that any approval would have an adverse impact on the landscape and ecology of the area. In response to a further point he stated that although the ecology report hadn’t identified any rare species, the brook still needed to be preserved as wildlife could migrate to the site in the future. He noted that the brook was only 5 metres away from the proposed industrial units.

Some Members voiced their concerns in respect of ecology and landscaping on the site as well as concerns regarding the proposed level of infill required for the site due to its topography. They also noted that the application was contrary to a number of planning policies as set out in the Officer’s recommendation.

The Locum Lawyer and the Development Manager had a brief discussion in respect of section 4.8.10.2 of the Council’s Constitution regarding the Further Information Report process. The Development Manager and the Locum lawyer, representing the Monitoring Officer, both felt that a Further Information Report would not be required and therefore the Committee could proceed to the vote.

Councillor Cutter was given the opportunity to close the debate in accordance with the Council’s Constitution. He reiterated his opening remarks and commented on a number of additional issues, including:

• Model Farm was intended for technological enterprises in a live/work environment however there had been little progress with the site in the previous 4 years.
• Alton Road was filling up and also had planning permission for a residential care home which would take additional space.
• More employment opportunities were needed in the south of the County.
• The application should be supported.

RESOLVED

That the application be approved subject to appropriate conditions to be determined by Officers in consultation with the Chairman and Local Ward Members.