Conversion of existing toilet block into holiday accommodation unit, the erection of a new toilet block building, the siting of two additional static caravans, the siting of 5 touring caravans, associated parking area and landscaping.
Local Member: Councillor Llywarch Bowen Jones
Minutes:
Conversion of existing
toilet block into a holiday accommodation unit, erection of a new toilet block,
siting of two static caravans, siting of five touring caravans, associated
parking area and landscaping.
(a)
The Development Control Officer elaborated on the application’s background
and noted that there were several elements to the application that included:
·
Conversion of existing toilet block into self-contained holiday
accommodation
·
Building a toilet block /new facilities
·
Siting of one new static caravan
·
Siting five touring caravans (in place of five caravans with exemption
certificates)
·
Landscaping work including planting trees and creating hard standing areas
for parking
It was added that the site was
in a hidden area from nearby roads but was visible from higher ground within
the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast. It was
explained that mature trees bordered the site on three sides, with an
agricultural field on the other side. Public
footpath number 9 Llanaelhaearn crossed the northern part of the site.
A discussion on this application
was deferred at the meeting of the Planning Committee on 06/07/15 at the
request of the applicants in order to amend the plan to include one static
caravan, rather than two.
In terms of the principle of
the development, it was noted that Strategic Policy 17 in the Gwynedd Unitary
Development Plan supported proposals to develop or improve the variety and
quality of tourist facilities and attractions provided they did not
significantly harm the environment, the area’s cultural characteristics or the
amenities of nearby residents. In addition, Policy D17 GUDP supported proposals to
upgrade static holiday caravan sites if they conformed to a series of relevant
criteria. It was noted that the
application offered improvements to the quality and facilities of the site and
the increase in the number of static units proposed was acceptable in terms of
the relevant policies and the SPG.
(b)
Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant’s
agent noted the following main points:-
·
That the principle of the development was acceptable
·
The application conformed with policies 17, D17 and 18
that refer to improving variety and provision for tourism
·
That the application offered significant improvements –
landscaping and appropriate screening to improve the visual element from higher
ground and public footpaths.
·
Extended the choice /type of accommodation by protecting
the building’s character
·
Improved the provision in terms of toilets on the site
·
The improvements did not have a detrimental impact or
visual impact on amenities
Proposed and seconded – to approve the application.
RESOLVED to approve with conditions:
1.
Five years
2.
In accordance with the plans
3.
Materials for the buildings
4.
Biodiversity conditions
5.
Landscaping conditions
6.
Touring caravans’ standard
holiday season
7. The unit will need to be taken from the site out of season
8. Holiday use only
– static and touring caravans.
9. Must maintain a
register of users
Notes for information:
Public Footpath Number 9 – Llanaelhaearn must be safeguarded
Observations of the Flood Risk Management Unit
Observations of Natural Resources Wales
Supporting documents: