Agenda item

Siting of 18 touring holiday units, siting of a mobile shepherd's hut used as washing facilities for the touring units, create roadways together with environmental improvements including walkways and landscaping

LOCAL MEMBER: COUNCILLOR SION JONES

Link to relevant background documents

Siting of 18 touring holiday units, siting of a mobile shepherd's hut used as washing facilities for the touring units, create roadways together with environmental improvements including walkways and landscaping

a)    The Planning Manager elaborated on the application's background and noted that the existing planning permission allowed the siting of 63 touring caravans, six camping pods and two late arrival pitches. It was explained that this was a full application to extend the existing touring caravan site to site 18 additional touring units (caravans, motor homes, tents and trailer tents). It was explained that the touring units would be moved to a storage site within the existing caravan site outside the holiday season.

It was emphasised that the site was located in a field which was relatively hidden due to the presence of trees and hedgerows along its boundaries. The lie of the land along with existing landscaping at the boundaries created a site that was hidden from public places. The plan submitted with the application indicated the intention to reinforce the existing hedgerows with further planting, and this would reduce any impact on the landscape, and it was noted that the proposal would have no detrimental impact on the rural character and atmosphere of the local landscape. It was also noted that neither the site nor the nearby area had been recognised or designated as a landscape of any special interest, and therefore there was less emphasis on safeguarding the landscape. It was stressed that the enclosed site meant that the site was not visible from the house of the nearest neighbour and this application would not have a substantial additional detrimental impact on the amenities of houses in the vicinity.

It was explained that the site was served by an existing entrance off a class 2 county highway. There was no intention to modify the entrance. It was noted that the Transportation Unit had no concerns about the proposal's effect on any road or proposed road and bearing in mind the scale of the development there was no expectation there would be any significant increase in transportation levels.  It was emphasised that the proposal was acceptable in terms of road safety. 

It was explained that the proposal was in compliance with all the requirements of relevant policies and was acceptable based on its location, setting, scale and impact on the visual amenities of the local area.

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

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

·         The definition of 'touring' caravans was unclear as to all intents and purposes they were static caravans apart from the fact that they were removed for storage in the winter. 

·         It was noted, referring to the relevant planning history in the application, that this site in the past had been extended from 35 to 50 touring caravans and it continued to extend.  Concern was expressed about the untidiness that can be created in the countryside without any restraints on the size or appearance of caravans and caravan parks.  

·         In response to the member's comment regarding tarmacadam, the Planning Manager noted that the recommendation would be for a softer colour rather than usual tarmacadam. 

·         In response to the member's comment regarding pollution prevention, the Planning Manager confirmed that a pollution prevention plan would be agreed prior to the commencement of the construction work.

RESOLVED to approve the application;

Conditions

1.    Five years.

2.    In accordance with the revised plans.

3.    Landscaping.

4.    Restrict the numbers to 18 touring units

5.    Restrict the units to holiday use only.

6.    Restrict the holiday season.

7.    A register to be maintained.

8.    The units to be stored in a storage site when not in use / outside the holiday season

9.    Act in accordance with the recommendations of the Ecological Assessment.

10.  No tree felling, hedge cutting or clearing of vegetation in the nesting season.

11.  Agree on the colour of the tarmac for the service road.

12.  Lighting control.