The application proposes change of use of the site to a holiday chalet development for the siting of five holiday chalets of various sizes ranging from a one bedroomed unit to two three bedroomed units for Mr & Mrs K Williams.

Ward: Mortimer

Change of use from garden centre to holiday chalet development.  Erection of five holiday chalets.

The Senior Planning Officer reported the receipt of amended plans showing the inclusion of package treatment works to replace septic tank provision.  The Sub-Committee was advised that the drainage works would be moved further into the site and away from the adjacent dwelling and water well.  Four additional letters of objection and one letter of support were reported and it was noted that no responses had been received to the amended plans.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Holland had registered to speak against the application but commented that the revised drainage arrangements had addressed his concerns.  Mr. Reed had registered to speak in support of the application but had nothing further to add.

Councillor Mrs. L.O. Barnett, the Local Ward Member, welcomed the amended plans and urged the applicants and their agent to discuss with local residents the genuine concerns that had been raised.

In response to a question, the Senior Planning Officer advised that the comments of the Tourism Development Manager, with regard to oversupply of this type of holiday development, was not a material planning consideration having regard to the relevant Local Plan policies.

Councillor R.J. Phillips noted the concern about the potential for the chalets to be sold off separately and questioned whether any additional conditions were required to ensure that the development remained as holiday accommodation.  In response, the Development Control Manager clarified the policy issues and drew attention to condition E31 (Use as holiday accommodation) which would control the use of the development.  He noted that similar developments sometimes had a condition imposed which limited occupation to a maximum of ninety days, thereby ensuring that short term letting was maintained.  The Sub-Committee discussed this option but it was felt that a condition specifying the length of occupation condition could be too restrictive in this instance.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:-

1 -        A01 (Time limit for commencement (full permission)).

            Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2 -        A06 (Development in accordance with approved plans).

            Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interests of a satisfactory form of development.

3 -        B01 (Samples of external materials).

            Reason: To ensure that the materials harmonise with the surroundings.

4 -        E31 (Use as holiday accommodation).

            Reason: The local planning authority are not prepared to allow the introduction of a separate unit of residential accommodation, due to the relationship and close proximity of the proposed development to the property known as Aymestrey House and the fact that the site is outside of a recognised development boundary in accordance with the Leominster District Local Plan.

5 -        During the construction phase no machinery shall be operated, no process shall be carried out and no deliveries taken at or despatched from the site outside the following times: Monday - Friday 7.00 am - 6.00 pm, Saturday 8.00 am - 1.00 pm nor at any time on Sundays, Bank or Public Holidays.

            Reason: To protect the amenity of local residents.

6 -        No materials or substances shall be incinerated within the application site during the construction phase.

            Reason: To safeguard residential amenity and prevent pollution.

7 -        All machinery and plant shall be operated and maintained in accordance with BS5228:1997 'noise control of construction and open sites'.

            Reason:

8 -        G01 (Details of boundary treatments).

            Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to ensure dwellings have satisfactory privacy.

9 -        G04 (Landscaping scheme (general)).

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

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

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

11 -      The existing structures on site to be demolished shall be demolished and removed from site prior to any other development on site.

            Reason:  In the interest of the amenity of the surrounding area.

12 -             Notwithstanding the approved plans details will be submitted and approved in writing with regards to the method of foul water disposal and location of the proposed septic tank, which must be located 50 metres from any residential dwelling outside the control of the applicant.

            Reason: In the interests of the amenity of surrounding residential dwellings.

Informative:

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