Agenda item

A full planning application for change of use of agricultural land to form a caravan site for 32 pitches, construction of a new amenity building and all associated hardstanding, re-surfacing and access

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Gareth Morris Jones

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve with conditions

1.    Five years. 

2.    In accordance with submitted plans.

3.    Number of units.

4.    Register to be kept and holiday use only.

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

6.    No units to be stored on the site outside the season

7.    All internal and external signs to be in Welsh only or bilingual with a priority given to the Welsh language.

8.    The recommendations of the Ecological Assessment Report must be observed

9.    Landscaping

10.  Amenity block materials and finishes

Full application for change of use of agricultural land to create a caravan site for 32 pitches, construction of new building to accommodate showers/toilets, all associated hard standings, resurfacing and access.

a)    The Assistant Head of Environment Department submitted his report after referring the Committee's decision on 13/06/22 to a cooling-off period. 

The risks to the Council of approving the application, along with the options available to the Committee, were highlighted. The officers noted clearly that the features of the application had been thoroughly assessed by the Council's officers, who firmly recommended that the application be refused as the proposal did not comply with the requirements of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan's adopted policies, local and national guidance and national planning policies or the AONB Management Plan.

It was noted, although it was likely that some additional landscaping could contribute to shadowing the site to a degree over time, it was not considered that the proposal was acceptable as approving new development within designations had been protected as the AONB, completely contrary to local and national planning principles and the AONB management plan. Even by attempting to justify the development in terms of economic matters, the policies and guidance clearly note the need to protect a landscape of national value such as this one from further developments that would affect the visual amenities of the area.

b)    The Local Member, Councillor Gareth Tudor Jones, had apologised that he was unable to attend. The Chair read his comments:    

·         He had used the cooling-off period to re-visit, re-consider and re-read all documentation associated with the application.

·         Having carefully considered the arguments in favour and against, his mind was at ease that the application should be approved and that he supported the views of the local community.

·         The nearest neighbours were fully supportive of the application and local community was also unanimously in favour of a caravan site. As were Tudweiliog Community Council.

·         That 317 people had signed a petition, including the owners of the Post and Lion in Tudweiliog, who saw the benefit to the local economy. (The size of the petition was not mentioned in the report).

·         No voice was objecting and this was a very unusual thing these days with planning applications.

·         In terms of a key environmental and landscape protection matter, 'Natural Resources Wales' and 'AONB' officer were willing to support the application, provided that the caravans were hidden with soil ‘cloddiau’ and hedges along the boundaries.

·         That the Tyddyn Isaf family, as responsible owners, had shown their unwavering and clear commitment to improve the environment by paying for an international landscaping expert to ensure that the site will be effectively landscaped. It was a challenging landscape, but it would be possible to grow trees and hedges in a short time and ensure that the development will not have a harmful impact on the visual amenities of the AONB.

·         He urged the Committee to approve the application. At a difficult time with increases in living costs and the rural economy dwindling, this was an opportunity to provide a better future to a local family of 5 so that they could remain in Tudweiliog and contribute to their community.

c)    It was proposed and seconded to approve the application, contrary to the recommendation, noting that there was a need for the applicant to comply with the Landscaping Plan

RESOLVED: To approve with conditions

1.         5 years. 

2.         In accordance with submitted plans.

3.         Number of units.

4.         Register to be kept and holiday use only.

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

6.         No units to be stored on the site outside the season

7.         All internal and external signs to be in Welsh only or bilingual with a priority given to the Welsh language.

8.         The recommendations of the Ecological Assessment Report must be observed

9.         Landscaping

10.       Amenity block materials and finishes