Ward: Castle

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Major Berry and Mrs Pugh spoke against the application and Mr Rose, the applicants agent, spoke in favour.

The Sub-Committee had some concerns about the arrangements for sewage disposal at the site but the Senior Planning Officer said that this would be dealt with by conditions within the planning consent.  He also advised that once consent had been granted, the applicants would be able to apply for a site licence from the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Department and that this would be a requirement of the consent.

RESOLVED:            That the application be delegated to the Head of Planning Services for approval in consultation with the Local Ward Member, subject to the applicants supplying satisfactory information on the method of foul drainage from the application site.  Prior agreement is also required by means of a detailed site plan indicating the siting of each caravan unit and occupancy capacity together with a clear indication of the duration of its individual season. Finally the applicants must also supply prior written agreement with regards to applying for a site licence from the Councils Environmental Health Department.

1 -     E23 (Temporary permission and reinstatement of land (mobile home/caravan) ) 5 years

Reason: The local planning authority is not prepared to permit a residential caravan in this location other than on a temporary basis having regard to the special circumstances of the case.

2 -     E32 (Static holiday caravan occupancy ) (1^st December – 31^st January)

Reason: To prevent the establishment of a residential use in the countryside where it would not normally be permitted.

3 -     E36 (Caravan colours )

         Reason: To minimise visual intrusion.

4 -     F24 (Standard of septic tank/soakaway system )

         Reason: To prevent pollution of the water environment.

5 -     F39 (Scheme of refuse storage )

         Reason: In the interests of amenity.

6 -     The occupation of the caravans shall be limited to persons in full-time employment at Oakchurch Farm under the Home Office Seasonal Agricultural workers scheme or equivalent, unless otherwise previously agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:  Planning permission has only been granted given the farming requirements of Oakchurch Farm.

7 -     F32 (Details of floodlighting/external lighting )

         Reason: To safeguard local amenities.

8 -     Full details will be submitted to the Local Planning Authority prior to the first recognised planting season after the issuing by the Council of this approval notice and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority on details of all boundary tree and hedge planting and internal tree/shrub planting within the caravan park complex.

           Reasons:  In order to protect the surrounding landscape and improve the visual impact of the development on the surrounding landscape.

9 -     G05 (Implementation of landscaping scheme (general) )

         Reason:  In order to protect the visual amenities of the area.

10 -      G06 (Scope of landscaping scheme )

         Reason: In order that the local planning authority may be satisfied that the deposited scheme will meet their requirements.

11 -      G08 (Retention of trees/hedgerows (outline applications) )

         Reason: To safeguard the amenity of the area.

12 -      G10 (Retention of trees )

         Reason: In order to preserve the character and amenities of the area.

13 -      Each caravan unit will have its own designated car parking space and sufficient room will be allowed in order that vehicles may enter and leave the site in a forward gear.  The car parking space will be constructed in accordance with full details as approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority within 12 months of the issuing of this approval notice. – wording to be revised?

           Reasons:  In the interest of highway safety and to minimise the likelihood of indiscriminate parking.

14 -      Within 12 months of the issuing of this approval notice provision for cycle parking will be provided on site in accordance with full details as previously approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

           Reasons:  In order to ensure that there is adequate provision for secure cycle accommodation within the application site, encouraging alternative modes of transport in accordance with both Local and National Planning Policy.

15 -   The site shall be securely locked by means of a gate and padlock during the period 1st December and 31st January (inclusive) of the following year.  With no means of available public access onto the site during this period.

      Reasons:  In order to ensure that the site is not in occupation for a full year, as the location is considered unsuitable as a permanent residential site.

16 –  Within 3 months of the date of this permission the applicant shall have agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority, a travel plan to ensure that occupiers have sustainable options to gain access to leisure/shopping facilities.

            Reasons:  To ensure a sustainable option is available to reduce reliance upon car borne transport.

           Informatives:

1 -     The applicants are reminded that a footpath (Staunton SY10) passes within close proximity to the application site and are reminded that it is an offence to obstruct or encroach onto this footpath which must remain at is historic width at all times.

2 -     The applicants are reminded of the requirement for a site license from Herefordshire County Council’s Environmental Health Section.

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