Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing dairy farm building and cow shed, removal of two existing slurry tanks, erection of a new livestock shed and milking parlour, construction of a silage clamp and dry manure store, internal access road together with associated works. 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Llio Elenid Owen

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve the application subject to the following conditions: -

1.         Five years.

2.         In accordance with the documents and plans submitted as part of the application.

3.         Submit details of external elevations.

4.         Submission of asbestos details prior to demolition.

5.         Compliance with Part 5 (Interpretation and Advice) of the Ecology Impact Assessment document as well as the Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment and observations of the Biodiversity Unit.

6.         Complete the landscaping scheme within a specific period.

7.         Compliance with the contents of the Arboriculture Assessments.

8.         The standard conditions of Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service regarding submission of details of an archaeological recording programme initially, and following this, the submission of a detailed report of the archaeological work within 6 months of completing the archaeological work at the site.

DECISION: To approve the application subject to the following conditions: -

1.         Five years.

Demolition of existing dairy farm building and cow shed, removal of two existing slurry tanks, erection of a new livestock shed and milking parlour, construction of a silage clamp and dry manure store, internal access road together with associated works.

Attention was drawn to the late observations form that highlighted a revised location plan indicating that the boundary of the application site had been extended to include land for Biodiversity mitigation measures.

a)      ⁠The Development Control Officer highlighted that there were several elements to the application: ⁠ ⁠

·         Demolition of the existing substandard construction which comprised the milking parlour, livestock shed, and two slurry towers.

·         Erection of a building for a rotating cow milking parlour.

·         Erection of a livestock building to house 224 dairy cows.

·         Erection of an indoor dry manure storage area alongside the existing storage area.

·         Erection of a new feed silo.

·         Location of a new water tank to capture water from the milking parlour and the water waste from the silage heaps.

·         Creation of a hard surface yard.

·         Creation of two foul water pits.

·         Creation of an internal road network.

·         Creation of a 1m high bank/bund planted with a native hedge.

·         Together with biodiversity improvements.

In the context of the principle of the development, it was reported that the principle of erecting agricultural structures in the countryside was acceptable subject to compliance with other planning matters.

It was reiterated that this innovative project would promote effectiveness, sustainability and excellent standards in terms of animal welfare, and showing good practice in terms of sustainable water and waste management (which included farm slurry) within the dairy industry in Wales. The current application had been submitted to extend and meet the needs of the Agricultural College for an education purpose and its important contribution to the local economy. It was considered that its location in the countryside was essential and that the proposal complied with the aims and objectives of national policies, Technical Advice Note 6 and the requirements of Policy ISA 3 of the LDP.

In the context of visual amenities, it was noted that the exterior elevations of the new sheds would be of traditional materials for this type of construction and, considering the location of the construction within and adjacent to existing farm buildings, along with an undertaking to carry out a landscaping plan along the western boundary of the site, it was not believed that the proposal would have a significant material impact within the local landscape and it was believed that the proposal was acceptable based on the requirements of Policies from the LDP. Given that the proposal would replace existing agricultural structures, and the fact that farm workers lived near the dairy farm, it was not considered that the application would undermine the general or residential amenities of local tenants.

In the context of biodiversity matters, it was explained that the site had been surrounded by the Glynllifon Special Area of Conservation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8