Agenda item

Application to create a camping site to site 23 motor homes together with alterations to services building previously approved under C17/0116/08/LL together with associated landscaping works

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Gareth Thomas

Link to relevant background documents

Application to create a camping site for up to 23 camping vehicles as well as changes to a services building approved under C17/0116/08/LL together with associated landscaping work. 

Attention was drawn to the late observations form that had been received

a)      The Planning Manager elaborated on the background of the application and noted that the application site was located on the outskirts of the stunning village of Portmeirion where an established car park was located.  It was highlighted that planning consent has been granted to erect a maintenance services building nearby and the application submitted included making changes to this development and to incorporate this as part of the camping site development. It was noted that the site was extensive and included a number of different existing developments which comprised buildings and open spaces, woodlands and stunning structures. It was reiterated that it would be inevitable that developing parts of the site could affect other parts of it, with the potential of impacting the value of the site in its entirety. The site was within a Conservation Area and an area designated as a Special Landscape Area and the Aberglaslyn Area of Outstanding Historic Interest.

Whilst there was clear support for general plans in order to improve, extend and strengthen the business, it was essential that any plans conformed to current local and national development policies of relevance.

Attention was drawn to observations that had been received which made specific reference to the impact of noise and the additional visual impact that would derive from the development as a result of intensified use of the site, in comparison with the current use as a car park for a neighbour of the site.   It was noted that the neighbour had suggested methods to mitigate these impacts by means of substantial and suitable landscaping between their property and the application site.  Following discussions between the applicant and the objector and an agreement about additional landscaping, the objector confirmed that he was withdrawing his objection.  As the Planning Authority had not been party to these discussions and therefore unaware of the content of the discussion, it was not possible to impose conditions under such circumstances; therefore, they were only acknowledged. 

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant’s representative noted the following main points:

·         That the proposal was a development that would promote tourism

·         A new pedestrian access would be created 

·         Close collaboration had taken place with the Planning Authority to meet the need

·         That the site added value by offering a broad range of accommodation

·         That Portmeirion was a good local attraction and employer

c)    It was proposed and seconded to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation

dd)     During the ensuing discussion, the following main observations were noted by members:

·      That the Local Member supported the application

·      That Portmeirion created good jobs for local people

RESOLVED to approve the application

1.      Five years

2.      In accordance with the plans, tree report and bat report

3.      Touring Holiday Units Condition

4.      Seasonal condition March to October

5.      Landscaping plan

6.      Lighting scheme

7.      Use of the building in accordance with the floor plan

8.      Construction hours 8-6 Monday to Friday and 8-1 Saturday

9.      Litter storage to be operational prior to using the camping site

10.   Toilet facilities etc., to be operational prior to using the camping site

11.   Tree work

12.   Prior agreement to be reached on phased work

13.   Bilingual signage