Creation of sacred healing acoustic research and enterprise centre including the erection of four new buildings, the formation of parking areas and erection of 2.3m high boundary wall (revised application to one previously withdrawn - C16/1158/16/LL)
LOCAL MEMBER:
Councillor Dafydd Owen
Minutes:
Creation of sacred healing acoustic research
and enterprise centre including the erection of four new buildings, the
formation of parking areas and erection of 2.3m high boundary wall (revised
application to one previously withdrawn - C16/1158/16/LL)
The Members had visited the site.
a)
The
Development Control Manager elaborated on the background of the application,
noting that this was a full application to create a new research centre for a
social enterprise company. It was
highlighted that the decision had been deferred originally at the Planning
Committee on 15 January 2018, in order to arrange a site visit. It was reiterated that additional information
had been received from the applicant, providing a more detailed explanation of
the nature of the proposed development, including an application to change the
description of the proposal to "Office, Multi-purpose Room and Research
Facility" in line with the Design and Access Statement submitted.
It was explained that there would be three elements to the facility:
·
An office
·
A multi-purpose room (the main dormer) - to be used to
play and record acoustic instruments and voices to test their effects on human
health. The building had been designed to provide high quality sound and it had
mitigating measures so that the sound would not be heard externally.
·
Three small dormers designed to resonate with specific
frequencies.
It was reiterated
that the intention was for the individual buildings to be "tuned" so
that the impact of any frequency would be maximised in the hope of providing
architectural models that could be reproduced for installation in existing
buildings. It was confirmed that there
was no intention to treat patients on the site, but rather research to
understand, model and test the efficiency of acoustic features.
It was noted that
the site was in an isolated location in a mixed forest and it was considered
that the buildings, due to their size and materials, would be in keeping with
the site and concealed from distant viewpoints.
In terms of general intervention, it was confirmed that it was expected
for two members of staff to be on the site initially (possibly increasing to
five), with the number of customers in "low single numbers" at any
given time.
It was not considered that the proposal was contrary to any material
planning policy within the Local Development Plan. It was reiterated that it was appropriate use
of the site and that it was unlikely to cause unacceptable detrimental impacts
in relation to those policies. It was
also noted that the new information submitted by the applicant did not change
the recommendation.
b)
Taking
advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member (not a member of this
Planning Committee) made the following points;
·
That
there was no future to the enterprise
·
That
the residents of the Pentir area were gravely
concerned about the visual impact of the development
·
That
he was dubious of the word 'research'
·
That
the straw and timber huts were out of character
·
Should
the enterprise fail, what use would be made of the site?
·
That
the business was vague
·
Recommend
refusing
c)
It
was proposed and seconded to approve the application.
ch) During the ensuing discussion
the following points were highlighted by individual Members:
·
Glad
to receive additional information confirming that only research would be
provided here, and not the treatment of patients
·
An
igloo shape was inappropriate in the area
·
Why
was there no requirement for this business to be located in an industrial
estate?
·
The
development's design was not in-keeping with the area
·
Visual
impact
·
That
there were no scientific grounds to the research
·
If
the enterprise was unsustainable and failed as a business, what would happen to
the buildings?
·
Suggested
imposing a condition to demolish the building should the enterprise end
·
Request
to protect public footpath (number 59) during and after the development.
d)
Resolved to approve the application subject to material
planning conditions.
1. The commencement time of the development
2. Development
in full accordance with the plans
3. Materials
4. Biodiversity
Condition
5. The parking provision must be completed
before the site becomes operational
6. Regulation of hours of operation -
09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Saturday
7. Noise control measures must be
submitted and agreed upon before the resource is operational.
8. Condition to restrict the level of
noise that could reach the nearest residential property.
Supporting documents: