Agenda item

We considered the report of the application, which was presented for refusal subject due to the following reason;

The barn is considered to be of inadequate size to provide suitable living space for a permanent dwelling within the structure. It is therefore considered to be contrary to Policy H4 (f) of the Monmouthshire Local Development Plan.

The application is presented to Planning Committee at the request of the Local Member Councillor Peter Clarke.

Mr Gwyn Williams, Chair of Llantrisant Community Council who is also a local farmer attended the meeting by invitation of the Chair and outlined the following points in support of the application:

·         The property is a redundant cow shed, not suitable for modern farming and if not developed will most likely fall down.

·         The applicants have lived on the site for many years and by developing the small barn for a residential property it will free up the property they currently reside in for their children.

·         Mr Williams objected to officer’s recommendation that the property is too small stating that this should be a decision for the people who intend to live in the building.

·         The building will provide sought after affordable housing.

·         A smaller barn conversion in Monmouthshire had previously been granted planning permission.

In noting the detail of the application, the following points were noted:

When asked to clarify the difference between a holiday let and a home, we were answered that a home would have need more space for domestic items requiring outbuildings, domestic storage, sheds, etc.

A Member spoke of looking at applications in planning terms raising concerns regarding the small size of the property and asked if there was Welsh Government guidance as to a minimum habitable size. We were advised there is no minimum size standard for private market housing.

A Member told the Committee that she had recently visited a Council flat which was smaller than the proposed application and that people live in permanent caravans, therefore it should be the decision of the applicant as to what they deem too small.  Officers referred to their concerns regarding future pressure for extensions, which would not be acceptable.

Quoting policy H4 from the LDP, a Member asked if the building could be linked to the bungalow as an ancillary building.

The point was made that consideration needs to be given to intergenerational relationships and care of the elderly in the community. If the applicants do not invest in this heritage asset, the asset will be lost and the applicants will have to find suitable accommodation elsewhere. It was proposed that the permitted development rights were removed and that the domestic curtilage will be restricted.

In noting the detail of the application, it was proposed by County Councillor M. Feakin and seconded by County Councillor A. Webb that application DC/2017/00122 be approved.

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

For approval - 12

Against approval - 2

The proposition was carried.

We resolved that application DC/2017/00122 be deferred to the next meeting to be approved.