Venue: Siambr Dafydd Orwig, Council Offices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH. View directions
Contact: Lowri Haf Evans 01286 679878
No. | Item |
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APOLOGIES To accept any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Endaf Cooke, Elwyn Edwards, Simon Glyn,
Gwen Griffith, Dyfrig Wynn Jones, June
Marshall, W. Tudor Owen, John Pughe Roberts, Eirwyn Williams, Gruffydd Williams, Hefin
Williams, Owain Williams and Eurig
Wyn. |
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DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST To receive any declaration of personal interest. Additional documents: Minutes: The following members declared that they were local
members in relation to the items noted: ·
Councillor Tudor
Owen (a member of this Planning Committee) for item 5 on the agenda (planning
applications numbers C15/0808/20/LL and C15/0807/20/CR) as he was a member of
the Caernarfon Harbour Trust. The member withdrew from the Chamber during the
discussion on the applications in question and did not vote on these matters. |
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URGENT ITEMS To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration. Additional documents: |
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The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on, 19 October 2015, be signed as a true record. (copy enclosed) Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting
of this committee that took place on 19 October 2015, as a true record, subject
to the amendment of Point 4; Resolved /
page 10. In the
minutes it was noted ‘No windows’. Correction – ‘No additional windows’. |
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PLANNING APPLICATIONS To submit the report of Head of Regulatory Department. (copy enclosed) Additional documents: Minutes: The Committee
considered the following applications for development. Details of the applications were expanded
upon and questions were answered in relation to the plans and aspects of the
policies. RESOLVED |
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Application No. C13/1143/11/AM - Land at Pen y Ffridd, Bangor PDF 1 MB Outline application for a residential development comprising up to 366 dwelling units, with associated access road, parking and ancillary facilities. Local Member: Additional documents: Minutes: Outline application to
erect up to 366 living units with ancillary developments including an access
road, parking spaces and ancillary resources Members of the
Committee had visited the site prior to the meeting. (a)
The Chairman noted that this was the largest application submitted to
Gwynedd Council. (b) Attention
was drawn to the additional observations that had been received. (c) It
was proposed and seconded to defer the application as there was no Local Member
for Dewi
ward (local election on 19.11.15) RESOLVED to defer in order to submit the application
to the next Planning Committee as a new local Member would have been elected. |
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Construct 5 two storey houses together with estate road and alterations to existing access. Local Member: Councillor Linda A. W. Jones Additional documents: Minutes: Construction of five
two-storey dwellings together with an estate road and alterations to existing
access (a)
The Development Control Officer
elaborated on the application’s background and noted that this was a full application
to construct five dwellings (including two affordable dwellings for local need)
together with an estate road and alterations to the existing access. It was noted that three of the houses would
be detached and the remaining two would be semi-detached. It was highlighted
that the site had been allocated for housing and a Development Brief had been
developed for this noting that the site had been allocated for 18 houses.
However, a planning reason existed for not proposing 18 houses due to the nature
and status of the land as a wildlife site.
The site was not uniform or level and there were restrictions in terms
of land levels, with a stream running through the site which meant that it was
not reasonably possible to develop all the land. It was noted that the
site was open land with one house already built. The site had been identified as acid
grassland with land outside and adjacent to the application site that is part
fen, marsh and swamp. It was noted that
what was proposed was acceptable by the Biodiversity Unit. In terms of
transportation and access matters, it was highlighted that there were a number
of concerns regarding the likely additional use of the site junction with the
A470. However,
the Transportation Unit had no objection to the proposal and a recommendation
had been made to improve access in general. In terms of flooding issues, it was
highlighted that the application included measures to control the flow of
surface water from the site and in terms of language matters the application
met with the appropriate requirements. It was considered that the proposal met with all
relevant local and national policies noted in the report. (b) Taking
advantage of the right to speak, the applicant noted that: ·
The application
had been improved and adapted to respond to concerns. ·
Building houses
with four bedrooms reflected the local requirements. ·
This was in
response to affordable housing requirements. ·
Sufficient
parking places had been included. ·
He had been born
and bred in the area and therefore the suitability of the site was important to
him. (c)
It was proposed and seconded to
approve the application in accordance with the recommendation. (ch) In response to a query by a member who was concerned
regarding the possibility that a further application may be submitted for 13
houses, the Development Control Manager noted that a new planning application
would have to be submitted and was likely to be refused as the wetland,
adjacent to the development site, was protected. RESOLVED To delegate the powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application subject to the applicant completing a section 106 Agreement to ensure that two of the five houses will be affordable houses for general local need with relevant planning conditions involving: ... view the full minutes text for item 5.2 |
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Application No. C14/0919/11/AM - Bron Derw, Garth Road, Bangor PDF 1 MB Outline application for the erection of purpose built student accommodation comprising of 33 bed-spaces together with kitchen facilities and recreation room. Local Member: Councillor Lesley Day Additional documents: Minutes: Outline application to
erect purpose-built student accommodation to include 33 bedrooms together with
facilities such as a kitchen and recreation room. (a) The Development Control Manager elaborated on the
application's background and noted that this was an outline application to
erect one purpose-built building as student accommodation. It was
noted that this application has been amended from the previously withdrawn
application which was for the erection of three separate buildings with
accommodation for 64 students. It was noted that the site was located within the
city’s development boundaries and was a site that had already been developed
and satisfied the basic requirements of policies C1 and C3 as well as strategic
policy 6 of the UDP. However,
it was highlighted that although improvements had been made to reduce the
development’s size the proposal continued to be an over-development of the site
and would have an unacceptable impact on the area’s visual and general
amenities and the adjacent buildings. (b)
Attention
was drawn to the additional observations that had been received. (c)
It
was proposed and seconded to refuse the application in accordance with the
recommendation. (ch) During the
discussion, the following observations were noted ·
That
the local Councillor had expressed an objection in accordance with the
officers’ recommendation. ·
That
the development was an over-development. ·
That
it had to be recognised that such buildings were ‘choking’ the city of Bangor and
were detrimental to the area in the future. RESOLVED To Refuse –
reasons 1.
Given the existing character and appearances of the
nearby area, it is considered that the scale and form of the proposal shown is
oppressive and an overdevelopment of the site. The proposed
development would not be in keeping with the form of the nearby area and would
detrimentally affect the general character of the area and, therefore, would be
contrary to the requirements of policies B22 and B23 of the Gwynedd Unitary
Development Plan (2009) and sections 3 and 5 of the Gwynedd Design Guidance. 2.
Based on the scale and form, it is considered that
this development would detrimentally affect the setting of the nearby Erw Fair listed buildings to an unacceptable degree which
means that it would not satisfy the requirements of policy B3 of the UDP nor
the Welsh Office Circular 61/96 guidance. |
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Refurbishment and extension of existing building (to include additional floor level) to form 9 holiday units and two retail units. Local Member: Councillor Gethin Glyn Williams Additional documents: Minutes: To convert and extend the existing
building (to include construction of an additional floor) in order to create
nine holiday units and two retail units.
(a)
The Development
Control Manager expanded on the application’s background and noted that the
proposal would include an additional floor in the building, with the holiday
units located on the first and second floor and the retail units on the first
floor facing King Edward Street. The existing workshop would be demolished to provide
bin and bicycle storage areas with eight parking bays. It was
highlighted that the design respected the structure of the original building
and was a substantial improvement in terms of the design of the existing
building which was now an eyesore. It was noted that the application requested holiday
accommodation and therefore a condition had been attached to ensure that the
units would only be used as holiday accommodation. In
addition, if the need arose to amend the use to affordable units, this would be
acceptable as it was considered that the building’s town centre location, as
well as the size of the units, meant that the units were likely to be
affordable anyhow. It was noted that the
proposal was acceptable in a prominent site and on one of the main streets of Barmouth and was in compliance with all the relevant
policies of the Unitary Development Plan as well and National policies and
planning guidance. (b) It was proposed and seconded to approve the
application in accordance with the recommendation. (c) During the discussion, the following
observations were made: ·
How would the use
of the holiday units be monitored? Was it possible to include a less general condition? ·
Were the eight
parking bays sufficient for holiday use and for shop staff? (ch) In response to these observations, the Senior
Planning Service Manager noted that:- ·
It was the
applicant who had made an application for holiday use and therefore a condition
had been included to address this. ·
Keeping a register
of holiday use was a standard national planning condition and as a result the
Council had the right to see the register at any time. If there was any suspicion of misuse of the units then
the enforcement officers had the right to investigate this further. There were insufficient resources to check every register / holiday use
and therefore the Enforcement Unit would undertake this with a sample or if a
complaint was received. In
addition, it was noted that the units would be acceptable for permanent living
units and therefore it was difficult to understand the concerns. In response to the
comment regarding parking spaces, the Senior Development Control Engineer noted
that there was up to one bay for each holiday unit and there were plenty of other
acceptable parking spaces available for staff, in addition public car parks
were available within a convenient distance to the site. RESOLVED to approve the application. To
approve – conditions 1.
Five years; 2.
in accordance with plans; 3. Condition of holiday ... view the full minutes text for item 5.4 |
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Application No. C15/0700/22/LL - Parc, Penygroes PDF 1 MB Erection of solar pv panels for the creation of a solar park together with associated infrastructure which includes security fencing and structures. Local Member: Councillor Dilwyn Lloyd Additional documents: Minutes: Installation of PV solar panels to create
a solar park along with ancillary work including security fence and structures Members of the Committee had visited the
site before the meeting. (a) The Development Control Manager elaborated on the
application’s background and noted that this was a full application to install
a row of solar panels in order to create a solar park situated west of Cilgwyn.
It was noted that the application site measured 12 acres in area and comprised
three fields that were partly used for sheep grazing purposes. The location was described as a site within the Dyffryn Nantlle
Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest as contained within Section 2, of
the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historical Interest
along with a great number of nearby listed buildings and monuments located
within 2km of the application site. It was explained that in
the context of local and national planning policies and advice relating to developments
for the generation of renewable and sustainable energy, it was essential to
balance the need for such developments against their potential impact on the
quality of the landscape and other environmental and social considerations. In the context of this
application, it was noted that the site was not reasonable land to install
solar panels due to its open and uneven nature – it was not possible to
alleviate the development or hide the site and it was anticipated that the
installation of 9000 solar panels would decrease the area’s visual value and
would be an alien and very prominent development. It was
also deemed that the proposal, due to its size and nature, was likely to have a
detrimental impact on the amenities of nearby residents and on the general
amenities of walkers who use the nearby popular public footpaths with open and
clear views of the area. Attention was drawn to
the additional observations that had been received. (b) Taking advantage of the right to speak, an objector
noted the following main points:- ·
That the guidance
stated that it should be level land for such a development. ·
That the plan
indicated that a 3m fence would be erected behind the traditional walls. ·
The solar panels
would be prominent and would be seen amongst the heather and would be an alien
element in the landscape. ·
The site was
located within an historic landscape ·
The renovation of
old cottages to be commended, however the solar panels would be prominent and
detrimental to the open area. ·
The solar panels
would cover the public footpaths. ·
CCTV installed on
the development would prevent the privacy of nearby residents. ·
Clean energy was
merely a theory. (c)
Taking advantage
of the right to speak, the applicant’s representative noted the following main
points:- ·
Expressed
disappointment that the officers’ recommendation was to refuse the application. ·
It was a good
plan and an opportunity for the landowner to diversify. ·
Sheep could
continue to graze the land. ·
Limited impact on
the heathland. · The plan encouraged biodiversity and it was proposed to ... view the full minutes text for item 5.5 |
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Application No. C15/0755/41/LL - Tyddyn Gwyn, Llangybi PDF 613 KB Installation and operation of a ground mounted photovoltaic (pv) solar farm on 6.9 hectares of agricultural land together with connection equipment, security fence, CCTV camera's composting toilet and transformer, storage, substation and management structures / cabinets and construction of an access track. Local Member: Councillor Aled Ll. Evans Additional documents: Minutes: Installation and operation of photovoltaic
(pv) solar farm on 6.9 hectares of agricultural land,
along with ancillary equipment, security fence, CCTV, composting toilet,
transformer structures / cabins, storage, sub-station and management and
creation of new track. (a)
The Development
Control Officer expanded on the application’s background and noted that the
site measured approximately 6.9 hectares and comprised grazing land situated on
a fairly level plateau. It was added that the site was in open countryside in
the undulating landscape between the higher grounds in
the centre of Llŷn and Cardigan Bay with mature
hedgerows and cloddiau
surrounding the site. It
was noted that the site was visible from some private houses,
however, it was proposed to reinforce the hedgerows and plant more trees to
ensure that there would be no significant detrimental impact on the area’s
landscape. It was highlighted that the Biodiversity Unit had
raised some concerns regarding the possible impact on habitats and protected
species by statue, however, it was thought that this could be overcome by
ensuring mitigation and management measures for the site – it was stated that
discussions were continuing between the Unit and the developers. Consequently, it was
considered that the proposal was not contrary to relevant policies and was
acceptable subject to relevant conditions. Attention was drawn to
the additional observations that had been received. (b)
Taking advantage
of the right to speak, the applicant’s agent noted the following main points:- ·
The application
was in accordance with local and national planning guidance. ·
The site had been
screened well and it was proposed to plant more hedgerows, hay meadows full of
wildflowers and to erect nesting boxes for birds and bats. ·
Discussions were
being undertaken regarding biodiversity plans. ·
That grazing use
would continue on the site and at the end of the application period the land
would return back into full agricultural use. ·
There was
suitable access to the site. ·
A great deal of
information had been shared with the local community. ·
Clean energy was
a valuable resource that was to be welcomed. (c)
It was proposed
and seconded to undertake a site visit. A vote was taken on the proposal and it failed. It was proposed and
seconded to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation. (ch) The
following observations were noted in favour of the recommendation: ·
The patterns
supporting the rural areas were changing – Gwynedd was not a recreation park,
it had to be accepted that this was the livelihood of rural residents that
would ensure their future. ·
It was important
to retain ‘pretty landscape' but it was also important to ensure that the landscape
could also support livelihoods. (d) The following
observations were noted contrary to the recommendation: ·
A site visit was
encouraged as there were private houses nearby. In response to the above
observations, the officers noted that no objection had been received from the
public to the application. RESOLVED To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application subject ... view the full minutes text for item 5.6 |
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Application No. C15/0769/34/LL - Graianog, Llanllyfni PDF 956 KB Erection of a wind turbine, 24.8m to hub and 36.6m to blade tip and the installation of a control box and associated works. Local Member: Councillor Owain Williams Additional documents: Minutes: Erection of a wind turbine, 24.8m to the
hub and 36.6m to blade tip and the installation of a control box and associated
works. Members of the
Committee had visited the site prior to the meeting. (a) The Development Control Officer expanded on the application’s
background and noted that the proposal was to erect an 85kw wind turbine with a
cabin to store associated machinery near the base together with grid
connections. A new access would be
created which would lead to the turbine from the existing quarry access track.
It was added that the turbine would be on a small plateau in a field which was
used as grazing land and was previous part of the Graianog
quarry, between the existing working quarry and the storage / processing
yard. Apart from the quarry, the site
was a rolling agricultural landscape which gradually rises in the direction of Bwlch Mawr and the Snowdonia
National Park which was approximately 2km to the east. (b) It
was highlighted that the National Park noted concern regarding the cumulative
impact of developments with vertical elements in this area that would cause
significant harm to views in and out of the National Park (and in the same
manner with the Llŷn AONB and the Settings of
Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the area and on the historic landscape of Dyffryn Nantlle). In response, it
was noted that a recent assessment stated that the landscape could cope with
this development and the impact of the turbine did not cause significant harm. It was
noted that the human impact was evident in the landscape and that the
development would not have a significant negative impact on the landscape in
general. (c) Taking advantage of the
right to speak, the applicant noted the following main points:- ·
He had a young
family and they had to take a chance with this venture for their future. ·
The turbine was
important in terms of the sustainability elements. ·
An access track
already existed. ·
It was possible
to collaborate with Gwyriad nearby. ·
That local and
national policies promoted such developments. ·
That the siting
of the turbine would be in a hidden location in order to reduce the visual
impact and Natural Resources Wales had stated that the impact would be limited
due to the undulating landscape. ·
The Nebo mast and
electricity pylons were nearby – the turbine was a great deal smaller in size. ·
A number of
letters had been received that supported the application. ·
Approving the application
would ensure the viability of the family farm. (ch) The local member (not a member of this Planning
Committee) made the following main points: ·
That the
turbine’s height was substantial ·
The turbine would
cause a visual impact on the AONB and the nearby National Park ·
The size of the
turbine would create an impact on the nearby Bryn Derwin
historical site. It was proposed and
seconded to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation. (d) During the discussion, the following main observations were ... view the full minutes text for item 5.7 |
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Application No. C15/0808/20/LL - Menai Marina, Hen Gei Llechi, Y Felinheli PDF 835 KB Retrospective application to retain pontoon within the dock. Local Member: Councillor Sian Gwenllian Additional documents: Minutes: Retrospective
application to retain a pontoon within the quay. (a)
The Development
Control Manager expanded on the application’s background and stated that this
was a full application to retain a pontoon within the quay (the application was
deferred at the Committee on 19.10.15 due to the procedure for speaking at the
committee). It was added that the pontoon was situated on the
northern wall and measured 30m long and 2m wide and was attached to the harbour
wall in three locations with an iron bracket allowing the pontoon to rise with
the tide. It was
added that the harbour wall was a grade II listed structure. It was
noted that the new pontoon suited the area in terms of the design and
appearance and was in a working marina. There were no
implications on the appearance or character of the listed structure or on the
area’s amenities or nearby residents, and the submitted engineering report
stated that the wall was strong enough to be able to support this pontoon. It was
therefore considered that the proposal was acceptable and in accordance with
policies B2, B3, B22, B23, B24 and B25 of the GUDP. (b)
Taking advantage
of the right to speak, an objector to the application made the following
points-: ·
That the harbour
was historical ·
Pontoons had been
constructed in 2001 without planning permission ·
The sea wall had
been demolished in 2008 with damage to the gardens of nearby residents. The
residents had split the repair costs. ·
The pontoon was
constructed in March 2015 – again without permission. ·
Concern as this
was a retrospective application, that another section of the wall might fall
and nearby residents would prosecute the Council for damage. (c)
Taking advantage
of the right to speak, the applicant’s agent noted the following points:- ·
That the dock
area in Felinheli was successful ·
The dock basin
had been designed for heavy industrial work and commercial ships ·
The pontoon may
have had an impact on the fall of the wall ·
The dock was of
benefit to the local economy and the community ·
The wall in
question was in a good condition without any sign of stress ·
The enforcement
control plan would be in place ·
No evidence to
refuse the application. (ch) The following main points were made by a member acting
on behalf of the local member (who was not a member of this Planning Committee)
who objected to the application: ·
The Member had
met with nearby residents and they were concerned that a similar incident to
that of 2008 might occur – namely that the pontoon would become loose from the
wall and cause damage that was costly to residents. ·
The pontoon in
question was closer to the houses and therefore there was more concern ·
There was a
serious crack in the wall and the wall was quite unstable · He disagreed with the engineering report submitted with the application which stated that installing a pontoon was unlikely to have a detrimental impact in terms of the engineering structure. ... view the full minutes text for item 5.8 |
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Application No. C15/0807/20/CR - Menai Marina, Hen Gei Llechi, Y Felinheli PDF 835 KB Retrospective
application to retain pontoon within the dock. Local Member: Councillor Sian Gwenllian Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED To
defer the decision on the listed consent application based on the resolution on
application number 8 on the agenda namely planning application number
C15/0808/20/LL (above) – Menai Marina, Hen Gei Llechi, Felinheli. |
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Application No. C15/0810/40/LL - Land by Llwyndyrys Farm, Y Ffôr PDF 658 KB Construction of a solar farm with associated infrastructure
for connection to electricity distribution network, access track, temporary construction compound, security fencing and ecological and landscape enhancement measures. Local Member: Councillor Peter Read Additional documents: Minutes: Construction of solar farm with associated works to
link with the electricity distribution network, access road, temporary building
compound, security fencing and ecological improvements and landscaping. (a)
The Development
Control Officer expanded on the application’s background and noted that the
application site measured approximately 11.56 hectares and comprised six grade
3 and 4 agricultural fields. The fields
were described as managed flat pasture with a slight slope, located in open
countryside with a thick row of mature trees east of the site
and hedgerows around the majority of the field boundaries. It was added that the site was within the Llŷn and Bardsey Island
Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest and the AONB was approximately 2km
North West. It was noted that policy
C27 of the GUDP stated that
proposals for renewable energy and sustainable energy management schemes will
be approved provided that a series of criteria relating to the impact on the
visual quality of the landscape and environmental and social factors can be
met. In terms of landscaping the site, it was reported that
it was proposed to leave the area under the solar panels as grazing land and it
was considered that the landscaping details submitted were acceptable. However, it was highlighted that a
landscaping management plan should be submitted and agreed to ensure that the
landscaping is maintained to a high standard over the plan’s lifetime. It would be necessary to reinforce hedgerows and plant additional trees
and once these would have developed the screening would be effective. Although the site was
located within 200m to three grade II listed byres at Fferm Llwyndyrys, it was not
considered that the development would have a detrimental impact on the setting
of the listed buildings or on the relationship of the listed buildings with the
adjacent agricultural land. It was noted that the development’s
proposal was acceptable and only sections of it would be visible. No local objections to the application had been received. The proposal was not considered to be contrary to relevant policies and
it was therefore acceptable for approval subject to planning conditions. (b)
Taking advantage
of the right to speak, the applicant noted the following observations:- ·
That it would be
clean and sustainable energy. ·
The land was low
quality agricultural land but it was possible to continue to graze sheep on it.
·
That there was
good communication with the local community – there was no local objection to
the application. ·
It was proposed
to plant additional hedgerows. ·
The land would be
developed by promoting a biodiversity scheme. ·
There were three
uses for the land – for grazing sheep, ecological services and sustainable
energy. It was proposed and
seconded to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation. (c)
During the
discussion, the following main observations were made: ·
Need to challenge
the statement that the quality of land in Llŷn
was of a low standard – it was different and not poorer. The land was a rare
habitat for species. · Concern regarding the ... view the full minutes text for item 5.10 |
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Application No. C15/0847/35/LL - Cilan, Caernarfon Road, Criccieth PDF 714 KB Erection of two storey
rear extension to dwelling. Local Member: Councillor Eirwyn Williams Additional documents: Minutes: Erection of two storey
rear extension to dwelling (a) The Development Control Officer expanded on the
application’s background and noted that the application was to extend the
existing two-storey house and to erect a new two-storey section to the rear of
the property. It was
reported that the existing house was a three-bedroom detached property in a row
of houses of varying sizes and designs in a residential area on the main road
out of Cricieth. It was noted that
the application was before the Committee as more than three observations were
received that were contrary to the officer's recommendation. It was noted that there
would be only 3m between the extension and the boundary of next door’s garden. In addition, it was noted that if the development was completed, there
would only be approximately 5m of garden remaining at the top of the site,
which would be likely to lead to an unacceptable reduction in the amenity space
around the house. The development was considered to be an
over-development of the site due to its bulk, size, location, form, scale and
the unacceptable impact it would have on the amenities of adjacent property due
to shadowing and over-looking. (b) Taking advantage of the right to speak, the following
points were noted on behalf of the applicant:- ·
That he supported
his family's application ·
The family needed
a bedroom and an additional room for work
/ homework. ·
It was only the
officer’s opinion that the extension was too large. ·
There was no
mention in the report of the garden / lawn in front of the house with a
sufficient area to park four cars. ·
The extension
would not cast a shadow on the adjacent houses ·
Welsh was the
language of the home and therefore it was very important that the family remain
within their area. ·
Building an
extension was their campaign to stay locally. ·
The application
had received the full support of the local community. (c) The following main points were made by the local
member who supported the application (not a member of this Planning
Committee):- ·
That the existing
house was too small for a family of six ·
The application
had received local support ·
The Town Council
was unanimous in their support of the application ·
There was plenty
of room to erect an extension that was out of everyone’s view ·
The Member
supported the application in order to ensure that a local family could continue
to live locally It was proposed and seconded
to approve the application, contrary to the recommendation, as the Committee
considered that the proposal’s design was acceptable and was not contrary to
relevant policies. (ch) During the discussion,
the following main observations were made: ·
That there were
no local affordable houses for the family. ·
That retaining
the family locally would strengthen the Welsh speaking community of Cricieth. ·
An example of an
application to keep communities alive. · A number were in favour of the application which was a sign of the vitality of the community. ... view the full minutes text for item 5.11 |
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Application No. C15/0872/44/LL - Greenacres Caravan Site, Morfa Bychan PDF 701 KB Retrospective application
for the installation of 6 timber bases and associated works for the siting of
safari tents in place of 6 touring caravans pitches permitted under planning
permission reference C13/0873/44/LL. Local Member: Councillor E. Selwyn Griffiths Additional documents: Minutes: Retrospective application
for the installation of 6 timber bases and associated works for the siting of
six safari tents in place of six touring caravans pitches permitted under
planning permission reference C13/0873/44/LL (a) The Development Control Officer expanded on the
application’s background and noted that this was a full retrospective
application for the installation of six timber bases and associated works for
the siting of six safari tents in place of six touring caravan pitches
permitted under planning permission reference C13/0873/44/LL. It was
added that the tents would extend the holiday park’s range of services. (b) It was noted that some of the site would be visible
from dwellings closest to the site, especially during the winter months bearing
in mind that the trees would shed their leaves. However, if the application was approved the visual
impact could be reduced by ensuring that the occupancy / siting period of the
touring caravans on the site was restricted to holiday use between 1st
March and 31st October in any given year, and the tents and timber
bases were removed from the site outside this period. It was
deemed that with relevant conditions to manage the season and landscaping and
planting plan that had already been implemented, that the proposal to use the
site for this purpose would not cause any unacceptable impact. It was added that the location, design, finish and
form of the development was acceptable and that the tents were in keeping with
the location. Attention was drawn to
the additional observations that had been received. (c) Taking advantage of the right to speak, the agent
representing the applicant made the following observations: ·
That he agreed
with the officers’ report. ·
The tents would
increase the variety and the types of services that the holiday park had to
offer. ·
That the work to
alleviate the landscape had been implemented to a high standard. ·
Removing the
timber bases was an unnecessary intervention and therefore there was a request
to alter the condition as it was necessary to construct new bases every year. (ch) The
local member (not a member of this Planning Committee) made the following main
points: ·
That there had
been a change to the original proposal. ·
The park had
refused to listen to the advice that permission was required for change of use. ·
The tents
remained on site although the occupation period/holiday season had ended. ·
The company
continually breached minor rules. ·
It should be
ensured that there were tight regulations regarding the existence of the six
tents only. ·
If the condition
states that the timber bases have to be removed then it should be ensured that
the company adhere to this. (d) It was proposed and seconded to approve the
application in accordance with the recommendation. The Development Control Manager noted that discussions had taken place to remove the canvas and frames only, however, this would entail that the platform that was part of the structure would remain in place. It was noted that the ... view the full minutes text for item 5.12 |
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Application No. C13/1298/11/AM - Land adjacent to Lon Pobty, Lon Pobty, Bangor PDF 1 MB Full application for the erection of a new two storey building in order to provide 18 self-contained units for students together with felling of trees protected by a tree preservation order, alterations to existing vehicular access and creation of a new pedestrian access, and associated landscaping. Local Member: Councillor D. Gwynfor Edwards Additional documents: Minutes: Full application for the
construction of a two-storey building providing 18 self-contained units for
students, felling trees protected by a tree preservation order, amendments to
existing vehicular access together with creating a new access for pedestrians
and landscaping. Members of the
Committee had visited the site prior to the meeting. (a)
The Development
Control Manager elaborated on the background of the application noting that it
had been deferred at the Planning Committee meeting on 28.09.15, in order to
conduct a site visit. It
was added that this was a full application for planning permission to construct
a two-storey building providing 18 self-contained units for students. It was
noted that the site was empty and overgrown, that it was situated in a
residential area on the outskirts of the city, but within the development
boundary. It was
reported that the site was located on steep land near the Lôn
Bopty public road and consequently had received many
objections concerning the safety of the access roads and increase in traffic as
a result of the development in question.
Despite
the objections, it was noted that the Transportation Unit did not object the
proposal. It was noted that the proposal would not
have a detrimental impact on the listed building nearby due to the land levels
and the proposal's scale. In
the context of the inclusion of felling protected trees and planting new ones
in their place, it was noted that a landscaping plan had been submitted
regarding this. It was
also noted that the Biodiversity Unit had confirmed that the protected trees
were in poor condition and therefore had no value to be retained on the site. The proposal was considered to be
acceptable in terms of local and national policies and was a suitable use of
empty and untidy land in the centre of the city. (b)
It was proposed
and seconded to refuse the application based on the following reasons: -
That the hill was
steep, narrow and winding -
Restricted access -
There would be a
significant increase in traffic based on the increase in students located at
the St Mary’s site. -
Increase in
traffic hazardous for pedestrians and students -
Difficult to make
the situation safe (especially during the autumn and winter months). In response to the proposal, the Senior
Development Control Engineer noted that there was no history of accidents
related to the site and recognised the location was dangerous for drivers and
pedestrians. However, it was noted that there were other paths for
pedestrians and some improvements had been proposed to the access and the road.
It was
also stated that up to six parking bays were sufficient. In the
context of the increase in traffic as a result of the rise in students on the
St Mary’s site, it was noted that the situation had been assessed during the
last phase of the building and during the period when students moved into the
halls of residence. (c) During the discussion, the following observations were ... view the full minutes text for item 5.13 |