Ward: Frome

Erection of cross country jumps to include additional use of land.

The Principal Planning Officer reported the receipt of two additional letters of objection and the receipt of twelve letters of support.  He also reported the receipt of correspondence from the applicant’s agent which indicated agreement to the removal of two fences and the reinstatement of hedgerow but the applicant did wish to install a twelve-foot field gate.  Officers anticipated that these measures would address concerns about visual impact and bridleway safety.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Hoskins spoke on behalf of Ullingswick Parish Council and Mrs. Kawczynski (applicant) spoke in support of the application.

Councillor B. Hunt noted the concerns of Ullingswick Parish Council and the history of the site and made the following points: he welcomed the fact that the Transportation Manager had examined the highways situation personally; he noted the concerns of the Public Rights of Way Manager about the potential hindrance to bridleway users; he noted the Conservation Manager’s comments about character of the landscape and hoped that the conditions would be rigorously applied; he was concerned that the need to control noise from tannoy systems had not been addressed in the conditions; and sought confirmation that reference to trees and plants in the condition 1 c) also applied to the hedgerow.

Councillor B.F. Ashton commented on the need to support businesses in rural areas, that there was no clear evidence that the proposal would have a significant impact on the local highways network and that on balance the application was acceptable.

Councillor W.L.S. Bowen felt that it was imperative that the hedgerow was protected and did not feel that a twelve-foot gate was necessary.  He suggested that a four-foot gate would be adequate.  It was noted that there were sufficient passing opportunities should there be any conflict in vehicles. 

Councillor T.M. James felt that the recommendation to limit the use of the land for events to no more than eight days in any one calendar year was unnecessary and could affect the sustainability of the operation and proposed that the condition be amended.

In response to earlier questions, the Principal Planning Officer confirmed that: the Public Rights of Way Officer had no objection to the application subject to the removal of fences 3 and 16; recommended condition 1 c) did apply to the hedgerow; if Members were minded not to limit the number of events, the condition detailed in the report should be deleted; and it would be unrealistic for events to be organised without the use of a tannoy system but a condition requiring details of any proposed system could be added to any planning permission granted to ensure its suitability.

In response to a question from Councillor Ashton, the Principal Planning Officer suggested that the possibility of formalising some of the passing places on the lanes could be explored further.  The Northern Team Leader reminded the Sub-Committee that the Transportation Manager was satisfied with the proposal subject to conditions.

Councillor W.L.S. Bowen maintained his view that a four-foot gate would be adequate.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1 -     a) Within two months of the date of this permission, details of the removal of fences 3 and 16 and the reinstatement of the hedgerow shall be submitted to the local planning authority for their written approval.

         b) The hedgerow reinstatement shall be completed in accordance with the approved details within 2 months of their approval.

         c) Any trees or plants which within a period of five years from the date of this approval die, are removed or become seriously damaged or deceased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species, unless the local planning authority gives written consent to any variation.  If any plants fail more than once they shall continue to be replaced on an annual basis until the end of the five year defects period.

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

2 -     G04 (Landscaping scheme (general)).

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

3 -     G05 (Implementation of landscaping scheme (general)).

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

4 -     Within 3 months of the date of the permission hereby approved, details of any tannoy systems to be installed and hours of operation shall be submitted to the local planning authority for their approval.

Reason: To protect the residential amenities of nearby dwellings.

Informative:

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