Agenda, decisions and minutes

To accept any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Louise Hughes and Councillor Dilwyn Lloyd

Councillor Cai Larsen was welcomed as a new member of the Committee

To receive any declaration of personal interest and to note protocol matters.

a)    Councillor Owain Williams in item 5.1 (C21/0645/33/LL) on the agenda, as he was the owner of a caravan site, and in item 5.2 (C21/0411/46/LL) on the agenda as his daughter had connections to Tyddyn Du.

b)    Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones in item 5.4 (C21/0446/20/Ll) and 5.5 (C21/0445/20/LL) on the agenda, as he was a friend of the objector, and in item 5.9 (C21/0767/14/LL) on the agenda as he was a member of the Adra Board.

c)    Councillor Cai Larsen in item 5.9 (C21/0767/14/LL) on the agenda, as he was a member of the Adra Board.

The members were of the view that it was a prejudicial interest, and they withdrew from the meeting during the discussion on the applications.

d)    The following members declared that they were local members in relation to the items noted:

·         Councillor Simon Glyn (a member of this Planning Committee), in relation to item 5.2 (C21/0411/46/LL) on the agenda

·         Councillor Gareth Griffith, (not a member of this Planning Committee) in relation to items 5.4 (C21/0446/20/LL) and 5.5 (C21/0445/20/LL) on the agenda

·         Councillor Glyn Daniels (not a member of this Planning Committee), in relation to item 5.8 (C21/0922/03/LL) on the agenda

·         Councillor Cemlyn Williams (not a member of this Planning Committee), in relation to item 5.9 (C21/0767/14/LL) on the agenda

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

None to note

The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on, 31^st January 2022, be signed as a true record.

The Chair accepted the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on 31 January 2022, as a true record.

To submit the report of the Head of Environment Department.

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 policy aspects.

Change of use of agricultural land to proposed touring caravan park (40nr pitches) including amenities block, access track and access entrance

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Anwen Davies

Link to relevant background documents

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

1.    Commence within five years

2.    In accordance with submitted plans.

3.    The number of units on the site at any one time to be restricted to 40

4.    Restrict the season to between 1 March and 31 October

5.    Holiday use only

6.    Maintain a register of users

7.    No caravans to be stored on the site outside the season

8.    All internal and external signs to be in Welsh only or bilingual with a priority given to the Welsh language

9.    The recommendations of the Ecological Assessment Report must be observed 

10.  The visibility with the A497 must be maintained to the standards shown on the plans on an ongoing basis

11.  Welsh Water Condition

12.  Landscaping conditions

·         Note - Welsh Water, Natural Resources Wales, Licensing Unit

Change of use of agricultural land into a proposed touring caravan park including amenity block, access track and entrance

a)    The Development Control Officer highlighted that this was an application to change the use of agricultural land, to a touring caravan park.  The work would include:

·         Installing 40 informal grassed pitches measuring at least 8m x 8m

·         Creating a 3.6m wide hardcore access road forming a one-way network through the site

·         Construction of amenity block providing toilets, showers and washing facilities.

·         Creating a new 'clawdd' along the western boundary of the site

It was reported that the application had been submitted to committee on 22 November, 2021, when a decision was made to defer the application to allow officers to consider additional information received and to further discuss the details of the development with the applicant.

It was explained that the site was located in open countryside approximately 300m along the road, which is partly private and partly unclassified, from the A497 highway leading from Pwllheli to Nefyn.

Members were reminded of the concerns referred to at the previous meeting, namely the lack of consideration to biodiversity matters and access to the caravan park.  In response, it was noted that additional information had been submitted:

·         An Initial Ecological Assessment that included measures to protect ancient trees together with an ecological improvement plan to include the planting of native hedgerow, growing flowers and erecting bird boxes. It was noted that the Biodiversity Unit was satisfied with the proposals.

·         An amended plan for the junction with the A497, which would involve widening the grass verge near the road, felling two trees and managing the height of the 'clawdd' in order to create a visibility splay of up to 160m to the west. It was noted that the Transportation Unit was satisfied with the proposals and the Planning Officers accepted that the amendments overcame the safety issues.

It was considered that the proposal with the additional submitted information, met with the requirements for developing a new seasonal camping site as noted in Policy TWR 5 of the LDP and by imposing appropriate conditions in order to ensure the required changes to the highway access and mitigation steps to protect biodiversity, that the development would meet the requirements of the relevant policies in the LDP.

b)  Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant noted the following observations:

·         That he came from a Welsh farming family with Welsh values. 

·         His family had lived and farmed in north Wales for over 200 years and he himself had farmed at Bodvel for over 50 years.

·         During this period his policy was always to support the values of the local community, the local people themselves, and local businesses and services.

·         He had always employed local people from local families and stated with pride that generations of the same local families had worked on the farm and had been directly responsible for managing agricultural aspects and care of farm  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Erection of building to keep agricultural equipment and feed including two stables and a tack store

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Simon Glyn

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve with conditions

1.    The development must commence no later than five years from the permission date

2.    The development is completed fully in accordance with the submitted plans

3.    Agreement must be reached on the materials / external colours before the development commences

4.    The building must be used for agricultural purposes only

Note - Land Drainage Unit

Erection of building to store agricultural equipment and feed including two stables and a tack store.

Attention was drawn to the late observations form.

a)      The Development Control Officer highlighted that the application was a full application for the erection of a multi-purpose (Agricultural / Horses) shed that would include two stables and a tack store, along with a sheep shelter, a place to store machinery and feed and a first-floor store. It was noted that the site was located in open countryside approximately 700m to the south west of the village of Croeslon Dinas; within the Special Landscape Area designated by the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan and within the Llŷn and Bardsey Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest; The site was 180m to the west of the boundary of the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The application was submitted to the Committee as the applicant was a relative of an elected member of the Council.

It was resolved to defer making a decision on the application at the Committee on 13 December 2021, in order to give officers an opportunity to consider late information received from the applicant, giving a further explanation of the need for the development. This included:

·         That there were no agricultural buildings located near the house (on Tyddyn Du land) - some of the original buildings were now owned by Tyddyn Gwyn farm.

·         The access to the field near the house was unsuitable for large vehicles as it crosses a ditch and water pipes; electricity supply and telephone cables pass overhead in the entrance, which was an obstruction preventing machinery from gaining access to the field near the house.

·         Not much work needed to be done to the land in order to create a level site for the development; any soil moved would be recycled to create a level area around the building.

·         Native shrubs and trees would be planted around the building.

·         The building would not affect the visual amenities of any of the neighbours, other buildings or any nearby settlement,

·         The site was hidden and on a secluded and desolate site; with the hedges providing a natural hiding place for the building.

It was reported that further discussions together with a site meeting had taken place with the applicant.  Consequently, the proposed location of the building was changed - and set at a lower level than the original proposal and located closer to the mature hedge that surrounds the field.

As a result of the changes made to the plan since the previous Committee meeting, and further explanation received from the applicant regarding the need for the building and justification for the location, officers accepted that the agricultural need had been proven to erect a building on the site and therefore the proposal was acceptable under the principle of a fundamental rural development and specifically policy PCYFF 1  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Residential development of 8 dwellings (including 4 affordable homes).

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Beca Brown

Link to relevant background documents

APPLICATION HAD BEEN WITHDRAWN

APPLICATION HAD BEEN WITHDRAWN

Application for the erection of a three storey three bedroom dwelling with parking area.

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Gareth Griffith

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

1.         Time

2.         In accordance with the plans

3.         Slate

4.         Exterior finishes.

5.         Access and parking

6.         Reasonable Avoidance Measures for reptiles.

7.         No vegetation to be cleared during the bird nesting season.

8.         A Welsh name for the houses.

Application for the erection of a three-bedroom, three-storey house with a parking area

a)    The Planning Officer highlighted that it was intended to erect a three-storey dwelling, which would appear to be two-storey from Caernarfon Road. It was explained that there was extant planning permission on the site to erect of a four-storey building to include 4 self-contained residential units (reference C09A/0182/20/LL) - the permission was extant (had commenced) as the former residential property on the plot had been demolished.   This meant that the previously approved 4 units had been included already in the land bank and therefore there would be a reduction in the number of residential units provided.  Therefore the proposal would not be contrary to policy TAI 4 and did not provide more units than the indicative housing provision set for the settlement in that policy. As a result, no special justification was needed for the development.

Due to the nature of this plot, the new property would be in a very prominent location from public viewpoints and would be an addition to the row of houses erected on Caernarfon Road. It was noted that this part of the village of Felinheli had a significant variety in terms of architecture, scale, design and setting.

In the context of general and residential amenities, it was highlighted that the proposed plans noted that the back wall of the dwelling was to be located 2m further to the north-west than the building that could be erected as part of the extant permission. The part of the proposed dwelling that extends 2m further included the balconies on the three floors and a different shaped roof that would be 1m higher than the approved building.

Due to the size of the blank elevation that abuts/faces property no. 14, Caernarfon Road it had to be accepted that the current proposal was likely to create a structure that would have some obtrusive impact on parts of a residential garden and a conservatory extension to the rear of this property. It was explained that the garden was located to the rear of 14, Caernarfon Road and due to the site's topography it enjoyed high levels of residential amenity with unobstructed views towards the north west.  Despite this, the proposed dwelling was not significantly different to the four-storey building subject to the extant permission in terms of the form and setting of the rear wall as shown clearly on the proposed plans. For these reasons, it was not considered that the development would be likely to cause harm to the residential amenities that was significantly worse than the impact that would derive from constructing the building that was part of the extant permission.

In the context of transportation and access matters, it was noted that a response had been received from the Transportation Unit noting that the design of the front curtilage should be amended to coincide with the front curtilage of application C21/0445/20/LL. Following receipt of amended plans in line with the suggestions of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Application for the erection of a three storey three bedroom dwelling with parking area.

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Gareth Griffith

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To delegate powers to the Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the expiry of the consultation period and the following conditions: -

1.         Time

2.         In accordance with the plans

3.         Slate

4.         Exterior finishes.

5.         Access and parking

6.         Reasonable Avoidance Measures for reptiles.

7.         No vegetation to be cleared during the bird nesting season.

8.         A Welsh name for the houses.

Application for the erection of a three-bedroom, three-storey house with a parking area

a)    The Planning Officer highlighted that the application shared the same design as application 5.4 - it was a full application for the erection of a three-bedroom, three-storey house with a parking area. It was noted that the site was located within the development boundary of the village of Felinheli (as defined in the LDP), near a class 3 public road (Caernarfon Road). It was added that the applicant intended to move to live permanently in the unit that would be called Heulyn.

It was explained that extant planning permission existed for the erection of a three-storey residential property (an application was approved to erect a three-storey dwelling under reference C12/0986/20/LL, as well as to extend the period when the development can be commenced by an additional 5 years under reference C17/1232/20/LL). This meant that the previously approved unit had already been included in the land bank. Having considered this situation, no change has occurred in the residential units being provided and therefore the proposal would not be contrary to policy TAI 4 and did not provide more units than the indicative housing provision set for the settlement in that policy. As a result, no special justification was needed for the development. To this end, therefore, it was believed that this latest proposal was acceptable in principle.

In the context of visual amenity, with the setting of the proposed house in relation to nearby dwellings, its design and scale, it was considered that the proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the residential and general amenities of nearby residents on the grounds of loss of privacy/overlooking and noise nuisance - the proposal was therefore acceptable in terms of the requirements of Policy PCYFF 2 of the LDP.

In the context of protecting existing open spaces and disused railways, the agent submitted an amended site plan to show that there was sufficient distance between the property and the residential garden and the development would not overlap the disused railway line. Similarly, the proposal would not disrupt the use of the safeguarded open space and it did not overlap substantially in this space (the property's garden would be located within the boundary of the designation). To this end, it was considered that the proposal was acceptable as it would not affect the protected open space or the disused railway and would therefore comply with the requirements of policies ISA 4 and TRA 3 of the LDP.

Having considered all the relevant matters, including local and national policies and guidance, as well as all the planning background, it was considered that the proposal was acceptable and satisfied the requirements of the relevant policies.

b)    It was noted that the objector wished to state the same observations as those in application 5.4

c)    Taking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Application under Section 73 to vary condition 10 on planning permission C18/1125/17/LL to increase the number of HGV lorry loads from 5 loads a day to 9 loads a day, Monday to Friday with no HGV movements on a Saturday

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Dilwyn Lloyd

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: Approve subject to the following amendment to condition 10 of planning application C18/0125/17/MW:

Except with the prior written agreement of the mineral planning authority quarry output, alone or in combination with any other extant minerals planning permission at the site, shall not exceed a maximum rate of no more than five HGV loads per day Monday to Friday, with no HGV movements on a Saturday.   Figures of the output from the site over any specified period shall be made available to the local planning authority within 21 days of request.

Development to be subject to the same schedule of conditions under the previous grant of
planning permission C18/0125/17/MW to control noise, dust, vibration, hydrology, protection of the water environment, sequence of operations, compliance with the application plans, archaeology, ecological mitigation, review of operations and progressive restoration.

Application under Section 73 to vary condition 10 on planning permission C18/1125/17/LL to increase the number of HGV lorry movements from 5 loads per day to 9 loads per day, Monday to Friday with no HGV movements on a Saturday. 

a)            The Senior Planning Manager – Minerals and Waste highlighted that this application was part of planning application C18/0125/17/MW approved for the disposal and processing of existing mineral working deposits with conditions, on 6 September 2018.  It was noted that two planning permissions already existed for this site and they related to the extraction and processing of minerals from different areas in the quarry. For the sake of accuracy and to avoid doubt concerning output rates, it was highlighted that a sister application, C21/0491/17/LL, was subject to a decision to increase output and consolidate output from the entire quarry to a total of 9 HGV loads on working days.

Under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Local Planning Authority may amend or remove conditions, but may not amend any other part of the permission. A successful s.73 application results in the grant of a new planning permission and therefore the original permission remained intact.  When determining a s.73 application, Local Planning Authorities may impose conditions beyond those proposed in the original application (although they have to be those that could have been imposed on the original permission).  Previously, it was held that the amendments permitted should not amount to a 'fundamental alteration' of the proposal put forward in the original application. 

It was reported that the application involved increasing the output from 5 to 9 loads on work days with the removal of the same amount of material with permission from the quarry complex, albeit at a quicker rate and that the main material planning considerations relating to the application was the intensity of the production process and that of additional highway impact. 

In the context of transport and access matters, no unfavourable observations had been received from statutory consultees. The Highways Department noted that the proposed increase in vehicle movements would be minimal and it was further noted that there was an ongoing voluntary agreement of circular touring where HGVs arrive at the site from Groeslon and access through Rhostryfan that, in effect, halves traffic movement to and from the quarry prior to rejoining the A487. It was added, that this arrangement could not be conditioned, the applicant and the Minerals Planning Authority was eager for this to continue - developing such arrangements would be discussed in the ongoing Planning Liaison Group that sits annually to discuss the site's operations.

It was noted that there was support to the application from Llandwrog Community Council subject to HGV movements avoiding school traffic in the morning and afternoon - this arrangement was voluntary and would be agreed and developed via  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Application under Section 73 to vary condition 6 on planning permission C18/1126/17/LL to increase the number of HGV lorry loads from 5 loads a day to 9 loads a day, Monday to Friday with no HGV movements on a Saturday

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Dilwyn Lloyd

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: Approve subject to the following amendment to condition 6 of planning application C18/1126/17/LL:

Except with the prior written agreement of the mineral planning authority quarry output, alone or in combination with any other extant minerals planning permission at the site, shall not exceed a maximum rate of no more than five HGV loads per day Monday to Friday, with no HGV movements on a Saturday.  Figures of the output from the site over any specified period shall be made available to the local planning authority within 21 days of request.

Development to be subject to the same schedule of conditions under the previous grant of
planning permission C18/1126/17/LL to control noise, dust, vibration, hydrology, protection of the water environment, sequence of operations, compliance with the application plans, archaeology, ecological mitigation, review of operations and progressive restoration.

Application under Section 73 to vary condition 6 on planning permission C18/1126/17/LL to increase the number of HGV lorry movements from 5 loads per day to 9 loads per day, Monday to Friday with no HGV movements on a Saturday. 

a)            The Senior Planning Officer - Minerals and Waste highlighted that planning permission C18/0126/17/MW was approved on 18 February 2019, subject to conditions, to vary condition 6 of planning permission C16/0063/17/MW to allow five HGV loads per day, Monday to Friday, with no HGV movements on Saturdays.  

It was noted that two planning permissions already existed for this site and they involved the extraction and processing of minerals from different areas in the quarry. For the sake of accuracy and to avoid doubt concerning output rates, a sister application, C21/0721/17/AC, was subject to a decision to increase output and consolidate output from the entire quarry to a total of 9 HGV loads on working days.

In the context of transport and access matters, no unfavourable observations had been received from statutory consultees. The Highways Department noted that the proposed increase in vehicle movements would be minimal and it was further noted that there was an ongoing voluntary agreement of circular touring where HGVs arrive at the site from Groeslon and access through Rhostryfan that, in effect, halves traffic movement to and from the quarry prior to rejoining the A487. It was added, that this arrangement could not be conditioned, the applicant and the Minerals Planning Authority were eager for this to continue - developing such arrangements would be discussed in the ongoing Planning Liaison Group that sits annually to discuss the site's operations.

It was considered that all the material planning considerations had been assessed and the proposal was consistent with the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan together with National Planning Policies and Guidance.   This application was submitted under s.73 that allows for the varying of condition 6 of the permission, and also allows sufficient control with all the other planning conditions being reimposed, such as conditions relating to the impact on the landscape, industrial archaeology, heritage, environmental and amenity safety, hours of operation, phasing, restoration, biodiversity, public rights of way and designated sites.

b)            It was proposed and seconded to approve the application

RESOLVED To approve subject to the following amendment to condition 6 of planning application C18/1126/17/LL:

Except with the prior written agreement of the mineral planning authority quarry output, alone or in combination with any other extant minerals planning permission at the site, shall not exceed a maximum rate of no more than five HGV loads per day Monday to Friday, with no HGV movements on a Saturday.  Figures of the output from the site over any specified period shall be made available to the local planning authority within 21 days of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Proposed demolition of existing shop and erection of 1 no. Retail unit, 3 no. open market dwellings, 1 affordable dwelling, creation of new vehicular access, parking spaces and all other associated development (re-submission)

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Glyn Daniels

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To undertake a site visit (subject to undertaking a risk assessment that would consider the appropriateness and safety measures in the context of Covid-19 guidelines)

Application to demolish existing shop and erect 1 shop, 3 open market houses and 1 affordable house together with new vehicular access and parking provision (re-submission) at the former Woolworth site, High Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Attention was drawn to the late observations form.

a)            The Planning Manager highlighted that the development would be split into two parts, namely one building facing the High Street and the other building facing Glynllifon Street.  The front building would be split into the shop area (A1) with a flat (2 bedrooms) above the shop and a two-storey house (1 bedroom) adjacent to the back of the shop with a garden.  The second building would include two residential units (1 bedroom) that would extend over three storeys each with amenity gardens and parking provision.

The application was submitted to the Planning Committee at the Local Member’s request.

It was explained that the site was located within the development boundary of the Blaenau Ffestiniog Urban Service Centre.  It was noted that the vacant retail unit (of significant size) has been marketed for a long period without much interest shown. It was added that there was reasonable demand for small units and it was considered that the proposal would not lose a retail unit and the proposal met with the principles of policies MAN 1 and PS 15 of the Local Development Plan.

It was also reported that Blaenau Ffestiniog has been identified as an Urban Service Centre and the site was within the centre's development boundary.  It was added that there was a need for more new houses and the proposal offered one  affordable unit that met the policy requirements of policy TAI 15 and policy TAI 8 An Appropriate Mix of Housing 

In the context of visual matters, it was considered that the development was likely to blend into its urban context retaining the traditional development forms and patterns and using suitable materials for the location.  The proposal would make positive use of the site of an extensive previously used building that has stood vacant and had been deteriorating for a long period.  Therefore, it was considered that the proposal met with the requirements of policies PS 5 and PCYFF 3 in the LDP.

Attention was drawn to the concerns received regarding the impact of the development on neighbours and it was explained that the application was a resubmission of planning application C21/0295/03/LL which was withdrawn to respond to the concerns of the Planning Officers.  Following discussions with the applicant the applicant amended the application and the plans. It was considered that the impact had been assessed in detail and imposing conditions would overcome the concerns.

It was highlighted that the proposal would include two parking areas for two units on Glynllifon Street.  Although the proposal did not offer an individual parking provision for each unit, this was deemed reasonable for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

Erection of 17 affordable dwellings, access, car parking, landscaping and associated works

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Cemlyn Williams

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To delegate powers to approve subject to signing a 106 Agreement in order to secure a financial contribution to improve the road / install traffic calming measures and provide open spaces.

Conditions:

1.    Five years.

2.    In accordance with the plans and documents submitted with the application.

3.    Natural slate.

4.    Conditions and highways.

5.    Tree planting plan.

6.    Biodiversity mitigation measures conditions to include compliance with the requirements of the Preliminary Ecological assessment; provision of Pollution Prevention Plan; ensuring that the site is permeable for hedgehogs and submitting a biodiversity improvement plan 

7.    Limit working hours between 08:00-18:00 Monday to Friday, 08:00-13:00 Saturday and not at all on Sunday or Bank Holidays.

8.    Agree on details regarding a Welsh name for the development together with advertising signage informing of and promoting the development within and outside the site.

9.    Removal of development rights from the affordable housing.

10.  Ensure a plan/arrangements to provide the affordable housing. 

11.  Submit an Environmental Management Plan to include noise, vibration and dust.

12.  Ensure compliance with British Standard BS number 5837:2012.

13.  Samples of the materials and colours for the houses and hard and soft landscaping.

14.  Ensure financial contributions for road improvements and open spaces.

15.  Erection of fence along the boundaries.

Construction of 17 affordable housing, access, parking spaces, landscaping and associated works.

Attention was drawn to the late observations form.

a)    The Planning Manager highlighted that the application had been submitted to committee as the proposal would involve constructing more than five houses. Members were reminded that the application had been submitted to the Planning Committee on 10/01/22 where it was determined to defer the application for the Committee to receive additional information regarding the following:

·         More detailed response in response to the Town Council and confirmation about the period when the Transportation Assessment was conducted.  

·         A more detailed plan indicating the access for pedestrians and vehicles to the school

·         Photographs / video showing the site in relation to the school.

·         More details about the speed restriction and the possible traffic calming measures. 

In response to the deferral, the agent had submitted the following additional information:

·         A copy of the Safety Audit conducted and referred to in the Transportation Assessment. 

·         A statement by Cadarn Consulting, specialist Highway Engineers, who conducted the transportation assessment in response to the Concerns of the Committee and the Town Council. 

·         Plan and details regarding the access to vehicles and pedestrians to the school. 

·         An additional statement in the context of how reliable the traffic calculation figures were and the findings of the pedestrians survey undertaken on 7 February 2022

Reference was made to the response to the transportation concerns and of the time when the survey was conducted.  It was noted that the assessment had been conducted by using an Automated Traffic Counter installed near the site on Bethel road for a period of seven days (over periods of 24 hours) between 21/06/21 - 28/06/21.    In response to a concern that the assessment had been conducted during Covid restrictions, the additional information received from the applicant's highway specialist confirmed this and that the schools were open and when the number of Covid cases were low. 

The statement referred to historical traffic data for the B4366 from the Department for Transport (DfT) that came from the manual traffic counting station located approximately 250m West of the proposed site, that had collected traffic data for 10 years. The mean annual average daily traffic (AADT) from the 10 years of data held by the DfT for this road was calculated as 5,389 (AADT calculated from the automatic traffic counter data gathered during the June 2021 survey is included in the report).

In response to members' concerns regarding peak school times and pedestrians, the applicant’s highway consultants carried out a pedestrian assessment on the 7 February 2022. The assessment found that the majority of pupils used the western pavement to walk to the school but 90% were dropped off at the eastern lay-by and utilised the safe crossing provision on the road. It should be noted that proposal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.