Formation of a touring caravan site
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Dewi Wyn Roberts
Link
to relevant background documents
Minutes:
Creation of site for
touring caravans
Attention was drawn to the late
observations that had been received referring to the historic use of the site
for five caravans by members of the Caravan Club.
a)
The Development Control Manager elaborated on the background
of the application, noting that it was a full application to create a touring
caravan site. It was emphasised that the site was currently used
for five caravans under an exempted Camping and Caravanning Club certificate
with the proposal of using the site for nine touring caravans and using the
existing toilet block as well as planting indigenous trees along the northern
and western boundaries of the site and to re-locate the existing gate.
It was
highlighted that the main consideration in terms of the principle of the
development was policy TWR 5 of the Joint Local Development Plan which
permitted proposals to develop new touring caravan sites provided the plan
conformed to all the criteria noted. It was not considered that the plan complied
with the requirements of the policy in terms of its visual impact on the
landscape.
The
site was located in open countryside outside the development boundary and
within the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Due to an existing hedge,
it was accepted that the caravans would not be very visible from the adjacent
county road, however, it was noted that the site was located is a hollow in the
landscape and consequently the caravans would be visible from higher ground,
specifically from the road that led from the site to the west. Formal observations had been received from
the AONB Unit stating that the site was prominent from higher ground within the
area.
Attention
was drawn to the plan submitted with the application which indicated a proposal
to plant indigenous trees and hedges along the western and northern boundaries
of the site, however, it was considered that the proposed landscaping would not
significantly reduce the impact of the development on the landscape enough to
overcome concerns regarding the prominence of the site in the landscape within
the AONB.
It was considered that the plan was acceptable under the
requirements of other policies, such as the impact on resident's amenities,
highway issues and biodiversity considerations. However, the proposed
development would likely have a significant detrimental impact on views within
the AONB.
b)
Taking advantage of the right to speak, the
applicant noted the following main points:
·
The existing caravan site had been run by a local Welsh
family since the 50s
·
The caravan site was of a high standard and was
open from 1 March until 31 October every year
·
No objections had been received
·
There was no intention to increase the size of the
site - only the number of caravans from five to nine
·
The increase was in response to the demand in the
number of enquires
·
The increase responded to the demand (given that
the number of touring caravans parking illegally was increasing)
·
The touring visitors contributed to the local
community and local economy
c)
The Local Member expressed his support to the
application with the following main points:
· The caravan site
was effectively operated and was a neat and welcoming site
· The site was in a
hollow and therefore was less visible, it was screened by hedges with the
intention of planting more
· The Community
Council had no objection.
· Letters of support
had been received and the Public Protection Service had praised the site
· The intention to
protect the public footpath
· The increase
responded to the demand
· The site would not
significantly harm the visual quality of the landscape
· The site was
simple and clean, not intrusive and met the requirements of the policies
· The Planning
Committee was encouraged to approve the application.
ch) It was proposed and seconded to approve the
application with conditions.
d)
During
the ensuing discussion, the following points were highlighted by individual
Members:
·
An increase of four touring caravans would not have
a substantial effect on the AONB
·
Several caravan sites could be seen from higher
ground within the AONB
In response to a
question, it was confirmed that approving the application would formalise the
use of the caravan site for anyone to stay there and would not just be for the
use of members of the Caravan Club.
Resolved:
To approve the application subject to the following conditions:
1.
Time
2.
In accordance with
plans
3.
Number to be
restricted/located in the places shown
4.
Entrance to be
completed in accordance with the plans before the site can be used for touring
caravans
5.
Season/touring/register
6.
No storing
7.
Landscaping to be
agreed before the planting season
Note: NRW and protect the public footpath
Supporting documents: