Issue - meetings

Increase in the number of caravans to a total of 15 touring units, construction of a toilet/ shower block, landscaping, and associated works. 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor John Brynmor Hughes

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To refuse in accordance with the recommendation

Reasons:

·       It is not considered that the proposed units easily assimilate to the landscape and therefore it is not considered as an unobtrusive location that is well-concealed by the existing features of the landscape, so  the development would be detrimental to the visual quality of the landscape. The proposal would not add to the maintenance, enhancement or restoration of the recognised character of the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is also concern about creating a new caravan site a considerable distance from the main roads network along a busy rural road where there is a high density of holiday sites and the impact of the associated development work on the features and character of the landscape. Therefore, it is considered that the proposal is contrary to the relevant requirements of Policies TWR 5 and AMG 1 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan and Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG): Tourist Facilities and Accommodation.

·       Insufficient evidence has been presented as part of the planning application to demonstrate that full consideration has been given to the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land. It is therefore considered to be contrary to the requirements of criteria 6 of Policy PS 6 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan 2011-2026 and the advice provided in paragraphs 3.58 and 3.59 of Planning Policy Wales.

DECISION: To refuse in accordance with the recommendation

Reasons:

·        It is not considered that the proposed units easily assimilate to the landscape and therefore it is not considered as an unobtrusive location that is well-concealed by the existing features of the landscape, so  the development would be detrimental to the visual quality of the landscape. The proposal would not add to the maintenance, enhancement or restoration of the recognised character of the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is also concern about creating a new caravan site a considerable distance from the main roads network along a busy rural road where there is a high density of holiday sites and the impact of the associated development work on the features and character of the landscape. Therefore, it is considered that the proposal is contrary to the relevant requirements of Policies TWR 5 and AMG 1 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan and Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG): Tourist Facilities and Accommodation.

·        Insufficient evidence has been presented as part of the planning application to demonstrate that full consideration has been given to the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land. It is therefore considered to be contrary to the requirements of criteria 6 of Policy PS 6 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan 2011-2026 and the advice provided in paragraphs 3.58 and 3.59 of Planning Policy Wales.

Increase the number of caravans to a total of 15 touring units, construction of toilet/shower block, landscaping and associated works.

Attention was drawn to the late observations form.

a)       The Planning Trainee highlighted that this was a full application for extending an existing caravan site into an adjacent agricultural field, as well as the construction of a new toilet and shower block, landscaping and associated works. It was noted that the site was located outside the development boundary and was therefore considered a site in open countryside.

Attention was drawn to the fact that the property was within the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within the Llŷn and Enlli Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest, with the site served by a single lane, unclassified rural road. It was elaborated that the land in question had been graded as class 2 land, namely good quality agricultural land. Reference was made to paragraph 3.58 of Planning Policy Wales (PPW) which noted that "agricultural land of grade 3a, as well as grades 1 and 2, in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)16 is deemed as the best and most versatile and should be conserved as a finite resource for the future."

Having researched the planning history of the site, it seemed that no Planning permission existed for caravans on the site and although there was a 'Caravan and Motorhome Club' certified sign displayed there, following enquiries with the exempt Club, confirmation was received that there was no longer a certificate for the site. Consequently, this was not an application to extend an existing site, but an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12