Agenda item

Application for the provision of site for 15 touring caravans together with leisure room and toilets.

LOCAL MEMBER Councillor Aled Lloyd Evans

Link to relevant background documents

Application to provide a site for 15 touring units including a recreation room and toilets.

(a)     The Development Control Manager elaborated on the background of the application, noting that it was a full application to create a touring caravan site. It was explained that the proposal involved creating an independent site to locate 15 touring caravans, and planting native hawthorn, blackthorn and holly trees with a timber fence to provide a boundary between the site and the existing silage pit.

         It was noted that the site lied in open countryside and within the boundaries of an existing farm with holiday units. It was reported that an agricultural shed with existing facilities bordered the site and it was proposed to use this building to provide toilet and shower facilities. It was highlighted that the site had been hidden by a hedge and trees on the boundary between it and the highway, which would ensure that the site was hidden quite well from the wider landscape. It was explained that the plans submitted as part of the application include additional landscaping along the site's southern boundary, that separates the site from the nearby silage pit. It was added that these plans included mitigation measures for the proposed development that would reinforce the existing landscaping work. It was considered that the design, layout and appearance of the proposal were acceptable and they would not cause substantial harm to the visual quality of the landscape.

         In respect of proximity to the road network, it was noted that the site had direct access to a first class highway, the A497, and there had been recent improvements to the access as a result of a scheme to improve the road.  It was not considered that further alterations would need to be undertaken to the access in order to serve the proposal, and it was added that the Transportation Unit had confirmed that the proposal would not cause a detrimental impact in terms of road safety.  

         Attention was drawn to the consultation in the report, and it was highlighted that no responses were received from the public. In response to the objection received from the Community Council that there were too many sites within one confined area, it was noted that paragraph 6.3.81 followed Policy TWR 5 within the Local Development Plan which requested to ensure that no excess of touring units within one area would add to problems for services, and would not harm the natural character or resources of the area. As the site was located outside the AONB, it was not considered that it would add to the problem for services or harm the character of the area, therefore the proposal was acceptable.

(b)     It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.

(c)     When discussing the application, one of the members noted that the Community / Town Councils had refused the application on the grounds of excess

         RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation.

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      15.

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

5.                Holiday use only.

6.                A register to be maintained.

7.                No storing of touring caravans on the site.

8.                Carry out the landscaping plan.

9.                Septic tank to be installed and be operational prior to site use

10.             The units to be set out in accordance with plan 1515/03 (amended

26/11/2018)