Agenda item

Create a touring caravan site for 11 touring units together with siting of a toilet block and  landscaping 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor John Pughe Roberts

Link to relevant background documents

 

 

DECISION – To approve subject to conditions

 

1.            Five years.

2.            In accordance with the revised plans and specialist reports.

3.            Restrict the numbers to 11 touring units

4.            Holiday season / siting

5.            Restrict the units to holiday use.

6.            No touring units to be stored on the site

7.            Biodiversity

8.            Restrict to the holiday season.

9.            A register to be kept.

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

11.         Agree/control lighting.

12.         Agree details of the clawdd.

13.         Agree details of washing facilities unit prior to being sited on the site

14.         Landscaping

15.         Landscape maintenance

16.         Submit a Biodiversity Improvement Plan

17.         No ground clearance during the reptile hibernation season in the winter

 

Contaminated Land Note

 

a)    The Planning Manager elaborated on the background of the application, noting that this was a full application to create a touring caravan site for 11 touring units together with siting a shepherd's hut as a washing facility.

 

It was explained that the principle to establish the touring caravan site was based on Policy TWR5 of the LDP and such developments would be permitted if they can conform to relevant criteria.  It was noted that the site was located in a field with the lie of the land and existing landscaping on the boundaries, creating a site that was fairly hidden. In terms of visual amenities, it was considered that the proposal had no detrimental impact on the rural character and atmosphere of the local landscape, which was designated as a Special Landscape Area.

 

In the context of general and residential amenities, it was considered that the proposed use would not generate substantially more noise and disturbance than the existing circumstances bearing in mind that the site location was near a busy Trunk Road and the Corris Craft Centre. The observations of the Transportation Unit and the Welsh Government's Trunk Road Unit confirmed that they had no objection to the revised plan.

 

In the context of biodiversity matters, it was considered that the proposal involved the use of reclaimed land and the land had no current use. Reference was made to the tree report stating that the development had been designed carefully in order to retain the existing screen around the site with the intention of improving this screen with additional planting along the boundaries.

It was highlighted that the Biodiversity Unit had no objection to this proposal provided that measures were taken to avoid damage to species and that the site was managed to create a wild flower meadow. It was noted that mitigation measures had been outlined in the ecological report.

 

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

 

·         Corris Craft Centre was a long standing tourist attraction

·         The application in question was an opportunity for diversification of a small facility for 11 touring units and to ensure the viability and secure the future of the craft centre

·         The applicant had received several requests for such a provision.  The facility would allow visitors to the centre to stay on for a few days to enjoy what the centre has to offer, as well as the surrounding area.

·         That it was proposed to retain the trees along the boundary and to create an additional screen

·         It was an opportunity to create an additional source of income, to secure employment and a resource that was needed in the area - that would contribute to the local economy and would be a means of supporting other local businesses

·         They had collaborated closely with the Planning Department; and had used the response to the consultation period observations to ensure a suitable design and plan

c)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following points:-

·        He was supportive of the application.

·        There was a demand for this type of facility in the area

·        That it would create additional income for the Craft Centre

·        It was an opportunity for the business to diversify

 

ch) It was proposed and seconded to approve the application

 

d)    During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by members:

 

·        The facility may prevent people from using the parking lay-bys for overnight parking

·        Welcomed the use of a screen and additional landscaping to ensure that it was not intrusive and visible in the landscape for village residents

·        That one shower and one toilet was not a sufficient facility for the site

·        That approving a site for touring units would add to congestion in the area - there was no need for more sites - need to re-visit the policies

·        Holiday restriction - holidays were now taken throughout the year

                  

(dd) In response to a comment regarding the number of toilets and showers, it was highlighted that it was the responsibility of the Licensing Unit to determine if the provision was insufficient.

 

RESOLVED: to approve the application subject to the following conditions:

 

1.         Five years.

2.         In accordance with the revised plans and specialist reports.

3.         Limit the numbers to 11 touring units

4.         Holiday season / siting

5.         Restrict the units for holiday use.

6.         No touring units to be stored on the site

7.         Biodiversity

8.         Restrict to the holiday season.

9.         A register to be maintained.

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

11.       Agree/control lighting.

12.       Agree details of the 'clawdd'.

13.       Agree details of washing facilities unit prior to being sited on the site

14.       Landscaping

15.       Landscape maintenance

16.       Provide a Biodiversity Improvement Plan

17.       No ground clearance during the reptile winter hibernation season

 

Contaminated Land Note