Agenda item

We considered the report of the application which was recommended for approval subject to the 10 conditions outlined in the report.

The local Member for Llanbadoc attended the meeting by invitation of the Chair and outlined the following points:

·         The proposal has potential but there are some issues.

·         A section of the route lies along an embankment and there are potentially structural issues relating to a bridge.

·         The dangerous access across the A472 is recognised and addressing this issue could benefit Woodside residents with regard to traffic speed.

·         The route traverses a working farm with a herd of 200 cattle which are moved regularly along and across the route.

·         The track surface needs to be well constructed to stand up to their use and other users.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the issue of bicycle users and pedestrians coming into contact with cattle and farm machinery along this route.

·         It is a recreational route.

·         Concern was expressed regarding liability if a member of the public was injured having come into contact with cattle / farm machinery whilst travelling along the route.

·         The final leg of the route is across open fields adjacent to the equine centre.  There will be horses in the field from time to time and concern was expressed regarding members of the public coming into contact with them.  There is also concern regarding the potential for gates being left open allowing livestock to leave the field.

·         A fence across this field would need to be considered to prevent contact between livestock and members of the public.

·         An alternative route for the access could go through the equestrian centre.

·         Concern was expressed that a section of the route will run close to some local properties which was considered to be an incursion to these residents. An alternative route should be considered on this basis. The human interest should be taken as seriously as the environmental issue as residential amenity will be affected.

·         Concern was expressed that motorcyclists will exacerbate noise levels.

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

·         Local farmers have expressed concern regarding the proposal and how they will cope when the cycleway is in operation. Discussion with the tenant farmer needs to be undertaken.

·         The Development Management Area Team Manager informed the Committee that the matter of liability falls outside of the Planning process. Any concerns raised would need to be directed to the Project Manager for the application.  Engagement with the local farmer and residents are covered via conditions and it would be pertinent to undertake consultation regarding the refuge points and safety audits, as well as the screening proposals near to the two identified neighbours.  It was anticipated that a reasonable solution could be achieved via conditions.

It was proposed by County Councillor G. Howard and seconded by County Councillor M. Feakins that application DM/2018/00757 be approved subject to the 10 conditions outlined in the report. A request be made to the Project Manager to liaise with tenant farmers using land along the route to help detail the scheme as it affects the farm use.

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

For approval             -           14

Against approval      -           0

Abstentions               -           0

The proposition was carried.

We resolved that application DM/2018/00757 be approved subject to the 10 conditions outlined in the report. A request be made to the Project Manager to liaise with tenant farmers using land along the route to help detail the scheme as it affects the farm use.