A new farm workers dwelling.

The application was approved contrary to the case officer’s recommendation.

The Senior 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 the criteria for public speaking, Mr Corbett, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application.

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

·         The application as supported by Policy H8 of the Unitary Development Plan as there was a functional need for an additional worker on the site.

·         There were no suitable existing buildings to convert.

·         The application should be approved.

Members discussed the application and noted that the dwelling applied for was of a moderate size and would be of benefit to the farm. It was also noted that it would be essential to ensure that the dwelling was linked to the farm through a suitable agricultural tie condition.

Members discussed the lack of affordable housing in the area and noted that the applicant’s agent had clarified the financial details of the farm in his presentation. Members were disappointed that the financial details of applicants needed to be disclosed in an open forum.

In response to comments from the Committee, the Head of Neighbourhood Planning advised Members that there were already two dwelling s on the site and that the officer was not convinced that there was a need for a third. He noted that the assessment had indicated a need for 2.8 workers but added that these works would not be needed on site 24 hours a day, and hence the two dwellings could satisfy the need.

Councillor Hope was given the opportunity to close the debate. He reiterated his opening remarks and made additional comments, including:

·         The parish council was in support of the application.

·         It was vital to retain jobs in rural areas.

RESOLVED

THAT planning permission be granted subject to an agricultural tenancy condition, any conditions noted in the report and any further conditions considered necessary by officers.

Reasons for approval

It is considered that there is a functional agricultural need for the additional agricultural dwelling on the farm and the financial test has been passed. Therefore the principle of erecting an agricultural workers dwelling on this site is considered to be acceptable.

The proposed size, scale, design and appearance of the building is considered to be acceptable and not out of keeping with the character of the area.

The dwelling will be sited adjacent to an agricultural dwelling near the farm complex and as such will not be prominent in the landscape.

The new dwelling will not adversely affect the residential amenities of occupants of existing dwellings in the area. The proposed vehicular access arrangements are also considered to be acceptable.

The proposed development is therefore considered to be acceptable and in accordance with planning policies and guidance, in particular Policies S2, DR1, DR3, DR4,  H7, H8,  LA2, NC1,of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan and Government advice contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (March 2012).