Agenda item

We considered the report of the application and late correspondence which was

recommended for approval subject to the seven conditions as outlined in the report.

The local Member for Shirenewton, also a Planning Committee Member, outlined the following points:

·         Initially there were concerns regarding the size of the plot as it had been considered not to be large enough.

·         It was understood that the applicant had either purchased or was in the process of purchasing a nearby three acre piece of land.

·         Reference was made to Mathern Community Council which had originally objected to the application but had subsequently removed its objection subject to conditions.

·         The local Member considered that if the Committee was minded to approve the application then some amendments to the conditions outlined in the report should be considered to address the concerns raised by Mathern Community Council.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the siting of the manure pile as it was unclear where the manure would be placed on a temporary basis in the smaller site.  It would be more appropriate for the stable and the manure pile to be located on the three acre site on a concrete base.

The Development Management Area Team Manager informed the Committee that having spoken with the applicant, it was noted that the applicant was in the process of purchasing the three acres of land.  The applicant intends to locate the manure on this site and to use if for grazing.  Condition 7 should address concerns regarding the storage of manure. To alleviate any concerns, this condition could be altered to include a management plan to address the storage of the manure.

Having considered the report of the application and the views expressed by the local Member, the following points were noted:

·         Mathern Community Council and local objectors had indicated that they would remove their objections to the application subject to the applicant purchasing the three acres of land. Though this area of land is not a part of the application it figures highly in the viability of the scheme. It was suggested that consideration of the application be deferred to the Delegation Panel for evidence of the purchase of the three acre site to be produced.

·         The Development Management Area Team Manager informed the Committee that the three acre area of land (outlined in blue on the plan) does not form part of the application.  It was noted that the land identified in the report (outlined in red on the plan) is considered to be acceptable with the applicant having made arrangements with local farmers for the keeping of animals. The three acres of land has been identified during the application process and the applicant has indicated to the Planning Department that this area of land could be used when purchased.

·         In light of this information, some Members considered that it would be remiss of the Committee to force the applicant to purchase the three acres of land in order to obtain planning permission. Bearing in mind that the land indicated in red is satisfactory and the applicant also has the option to look for alternative grazing in the area.

·         It was suggested that condition three be amended so that the stables shall be used for private stabling only by the landowner and shall not be used for livery or any commercial or other purpose.

·         An additional condition was suggested to secure the provision of new stock proof fencing along the site frontage to be agreed as part of the landscaping condition already in the report.

·         A management plan regarding the disposal of the manure to be agreed with the applicant via condition seven.

It was proposed by County Councillor M. Feakins and seconded by County Councillor A. Davies that application DM/2019/01149 be approved subject to the seven conditions as outlined in the report with the following amendments / additional conditions:

·         Amend condition 3: The stables shall be used for private stabling only by the landowner and shall not be used for livery or any commercial or other purpose.

·         Add a condition - A Management Plan for the storage and disposal of manure relating to the use of the site shall be agreed before the use commences and the development shall be carried out in accordance with that plan at all times.

·         Add reference to secure the provision of new stock proof fencing along the site frontage to be agreed as part of the landscaping condition already in the report.

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

In favour of the proposal                -           10

Against the proposal                       -           0

Abstentions                                       -           1

The proposition was carried.

We resolved that application DM/2019/01149 be approved subject to the seven conditions as outlined in the report with the following amendments / additional conditions:

• Amend condition 3: The stables shall be used for private stabling only by the landowner and shall not be used for livery or any commercial or other purpose.

• Add a condition - A Management Plan for the storage and disposal of manure relating to the use of the site shall be agreed before the use commences and the development shall be carried out in accordance with that plan at all times.

• Add reference to secure the provision of new stock proof fencing along the site frontage to be agreed as part of the landscaping condition already in the report.