Agenda item

We considered the report of the application and late correspondence, which was recommended for approval subject to the 15 conditions, as outlined in the report.

Councillor G. Thomas, representing Llanover Community Council, attended the meeting by invitation of the Chair and outlined the following points:

·         It was felt that this application was premature as two documents are in the process of being provided.

·         Firstly, a Welsh Assembly funded appraisal of the potential and risks of flooding in the village and secondly a draft supplementary planning guide to glamping.

·         Whilst it was accepted that tourism is essential to Monmouthshire, there is no statistical evidence at present to suggest the need for an additional glamping site in the County.

·         The dimensions of the trailer tent was given as being larger than a ten berth static caravan.

·         During certain months, due to the deciduous trees surrounding the site the trailer tents will be visible to surrounding properties.

·         It was asked that this application is deferred.

The applicant, Mr. A. Fenner, attended the meeting by invitation of the Chair and outlined the following points:

·         Extensive research was carried out which showed a growing demand in Monmouthshire for all year round, high value, sustainable tourism.

·         The tourists visiting the site would spend money in local businesses including the farm shop, the Foxhunter Public House and the Hummingbird café in Llanover.

·         The applicant lives locally to maintain the site and intends to source all suppliers locally

·         A planning consultant was employed by the applicant to ensure the application meets all the current planning policies and input was sought from County Councillor Sara Jones, Assembly Member Nick Ramsey and local residents to develop and refine this application.

·         The site is not inside Welsh Water or the County Council’s flood risk area.

·         Monmouthshire County Council’s Highway Department commented that it would enhance the safety of vehicles using the adjacent County class III highway.

·         Extensive planting will take place on the land including a heritage orchard and many areas of flower meadows.

·         Work has been undertaken with the nearest neighbour with plans to remove fences to allow access to the footpath to Nantyderry.

·         During the two month closed period the tents will be removed from the land for waterproofing, the agricultural trailers being moved to the grasscrete area.

·         Work is being undertaken with Wildlife Trust and the Monmouthshire Meadows Conservation Group to enhance native plants and wildlife habitats.

In noting the detail of the application, some Members expressed the following points in regard to the application:

·         Clarification was sought on the size of the carpark and we were advised by officers that it totals 1000 square metres. A condition is proposed in relation to this.

·         Lighting provision was questioned and an officer told us that there is no lighting proposed at the request of Monmouthshire County Council’s ecology officers.

·         The seasonal operating period of the site was questioned as being excessive.

·         Officers felt that tourism is an all year round activity.

·         When asked if the trailer tents would have electricity we were advised that they would.

·         The nearest residential property is 65 metres away on the opposite side of the carriageway.

·         Sustainable tourism is essential to the County’s economy.

·         A question was raised regarding the flood report and we were told that the site sits 0.3 miles outside of any flood zones and no non-porous surfaces were proposed on site.  A condition is proposed relating to drainage details.

Having considered the report of the application and the views expressed, it was proposed by County Councillor R. Chapman and seconded by County Councillor R. Harris that application DC/2016/01310 be approved subject to the fifteen conditions, as outlined in the report.

Upon being put to the vote, the following votes were recorded:

For approval - 10

Abstentions – 2

The proposition was carried.

We resolved that application DC/2016/01310 be approved subject to the fifteen conditions, as outlined in the report. Add lighting condition in late correspondence