Extension to existing poultry building with Environmental Agency approval.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor RJ Phillips, the local ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The Parish Council had objected to the application as they would have preferred a single application covering the three sheds rather than three separate applications.

·         It was disappointing that the Parish Council had not taken up the option to address the Committee.

·         The Parish Council had been working on a broiler chicken policy which would form part of the neighbourhood plan which could then be considered as a material planning consideration.

·         The application was a straightforward application to extend a chicken shed.

The Committee discussed the application and were broadly in support of it. Some Members voiced their concerns in respect of intensive chicken farming but were advised that this was not a material planning consideration.

In response to a question, the Principal Planning Officer advised the Committee that an environmental impact assessment had not been required for this application but if the remaining two smaller chicken sheds were extended an assessment may be required due to the cumulative impact.

Councillor RJ Phillips was given the opportunity to close the debate. He reiterated his opening remarks.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         B01 Development in accordance with the approved plans

3.         C02 Matching external materials (extension)

4.         G02 Retention of trees and hedgerows

5.         G10 Landscaping scheme

6.         G11 Landscaping scheme - implementation

7.         Prior to any development on site full details will be submitted and  approved in writing by the local planning authority with regards ot a habitat protection and enhancement scheme for the adjacent stream corridor. Detail will include a timetable for the approved works.

Reason: In consideration of biodiversity and to comply with Policies NC1 and NC8 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

INFORMATIVE:

1.         Reasons for Granting Planning Permission:

            The proposed development refers to an increase in overall floor space to one of five intensive poultry sheds and a consequential increase in bird numbers that is considered acceptable in consideration of the cumulative impact of the proposed development in relationship to the existing intensive poultry business on site and the surrounding landscape and environment, with suitable worded conditions attached to any approval notice issued with regards to landscape and biodiversity enhancement.  The proposed development is considered acceptable in relationship to public highway issues and residential amenity and privacy. A screening opinion under Environmental Impact Regulations dated March 5th 2012 established that a Environmental Statement was not required to accompany any formal application for the proposed development.

With the above taken into consideration including objections received, the proposed development, with no adverse responses from any of the statutory consultees, is considered to be in accordance with policies of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan, the key policies of which were Policies S1, DR1, DR2, DR3, DR4, E16, LA2 and NC1. The proposal also considered to be in accordance with the recently introduced National Planning Policy Framework.