Agenda item

Change of use of land for the siting of 42 touring caravans together with the formation of associated access roads, landscaping and the erection of a toilet block

 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Stephen Churchman

 

Link to relevant background documents

 

DECISION:

 

To delegate powers to the Assistant Head of the Environment Department to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:-

 

1.    Time

2.    In accordance with the plans.

3.    Holiday use only and keep a register.

4.    Holiday season - 1 March to 31 October

5.    Limit the number of touring units to 92, no tents and retain the same number of static caravans. 

6.    No storing of touring caravans on the site.

7.    Complete the landscaping work.

8.    Welsh Water

9.    Agree on the colour of the facilities building. 

 

The timber on the facilities building to be left to weather naturally

Change of use of land for the siting of 42 touring caravans together with the formation of associated access road, landscaping and the erection of a toilet block

a)         The Development Control Team Leader elaborated on the background of the application, noting that this was an application to change the use of land to site 42 touring caravans and create an associated access road and erect a toilet block. It was explained that the site already formed part of the current campsite, which had planning consent for 13 static caravans, 50 touring caravans and 70 tents. It was reiterated that the proposal sought to site 42 additional touring caravans to replace the consent for 70 tents and that the site had a certificate of lawful use for tents on another field.

 

It was highlighted that policy TWR 5 of the LDP permitted proposals to develop new touring caravan sites and temporary alternative camping accommodation provided they conform to all the criteria noted. One of those criteria was that the proposed development was of high quality in terms of design, layout and appearance and located in an unobtrusive location which was well screened by existing landscape features and/or where touring units could be readily assimilated into the landscape in a way which would not significantly harm the visual quality of the landscape; that the proposal avoids an excess of hardstanding areas; that it is physically connected to the ground.

 

It was noted that although there was no need to submit a formal Statement/Report, consideration needed to be given to the Welsh language in accordance with the guidance in Appendix 5 of the 'Maintaining and Creating Distinctive and Sustainable Communities' SPG. In relation to this, it was noted that the applicant's Welsh Language Statement noted the following points:

·         Two of the full-time staff members (the applicant's children) are Welsh speakers.

·         The signs are already bilingual.

·         Bilingual information about attractions, facilities and local services are already provided within the site.

·         Local employment opportunities are provided and local contractors would be used.

 

It was considered that the design, layout and appearance of the proposal was acceptable and that it would not cause substantial harm to the visual quality of the landscape. It was noted that it was also proposed to build a relatively small building with a timber finish in order to provide toilets and showers, and that it would not stand out in the landscape. It was reiterated that the site had direct access to the county road and that this was acceptable and suitable. The Transportation Unit did not have any concerns about the proposal and so with the use of appropriate planning conditions, it was considered that the proposal was acceptable from the perspective of Policy TWR 5 of the LDP.

 

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

·      That the report was clear

·      That the site had been a family business for years

·      It was a neat site, concealed within the landscape in the middle of natural trees and other planted trees

·      That the standard of the site was clean and the owners took pride in the business

·      The business supported the community and the local economy

·      Due to an increase in touring caravans, the number of tents would reduce

·      That the application responded to the need for touring caravan sites

·      That additional screening was a part of the plan - already planted up to 200 native trees - the owner reviewed the situation continuously

·      It would have very little impact on neighbours

·      That the access to the site was good

·      No objections had been received during the consultation period

·         That the proposal was acceptable in the context of the policy requirements and the Local Development Plan

·         It was a valuable investment for the area

 

c)         It was proposed and seconded to approve the application

 

ch)       During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by Members:

·         That the proposal did not really reduce the use - the need for tent sites was reducing and so the proposal responded to the demand for touring caravans

·         That the traffic element was bound to increase

 

·         Tourism sustained people's living in the countryside

·         Need to support local businesses

·         Difficult time for local businesses - the enterprise needed to be supported

 

d)         In response to a request for a record of the number of tents against the number of touring caravans on the site, it was noted that the information was not required for the needs of Policy TWR 5.

 

In response to a comment regarding if the application would be approved and whether the right to offer space for tents would continue, it was noted that the site already had permission for tents in another field - there was no restriction in terms of numbers on this field.

 

RESOLVED:

 

To delegate powers to the Assistant Head of the Environment Department to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

 

 

1.    Time

2.    In accordance with the plans.

3.    Holiday use only and keep a register.

4.    Holiday season - 1 March to 31 October

5.    Increase the number of touring units to 92, no tents and retain the same number of static caravans.

6.    No storing of touring caravans on the site.

7.    Complete the landscaping work.

8.    Welsh Water

9.    Agree the colour of the roof on the facilities building

10.   The timber on the facilities building to be left to weather naturally.