Creation of touring caravan site for 6 pitches, landscaping, construction of toilet/shower block and treatment plant
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor W Gareth Roberts
Link
to relevant background documents
Minutes:
Create
a touring caravan site with six plots along with landscaping, construction of
toilet/shower block and installation of septic tank.
Attention
was drawn to the late observations that had been received and a request by the
applicant to defer discussing the application. The Planning Manager noted that
adequate reasons had not been submitted to defer. As a result, deferring this
discussion would not make a difference to the recommendation as there were
fundamental concerns in terms of policy and visual impact on the AONB.
(a)
The Planning Manager elaborated on the background
of the application, and noted that this was an application to establish a
touring caravan site for six units in a field at Methlem, Rhoshirwaun. The proposal also involved building a toilet block
to the rear of the existing workshop, along with installing a sewage treatment
system and undertaking an element of landscaping to enhance existing hedges.
It was also highlighted that this was a site in open
countryside which abutted the Whistling Sands class three county road and was
also located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Landscape of
Outstanding Historical Interest. It was
intended to use a vehicular access that currently served as an access to the
workshop and the yard as an entrance to the site.
It was explained that the site was of a limited size and
it was questioned if it was possible to ensure a layout of a high standard.
There was insufficient space for the number of units proposed when considering
parking and awning tents. It was noted that the current landscaping was
insufficient with open fields beyond the site. Reference was made to the policy
which stated that new sites should not be intrusive to the landscape. It was
considered that the site was prominent in the landscape as it was, with the
number of vehicles, machinery and equipment within the yard visibly attracting
attention and standing out. Approving a caravan site on this site would add to
the prominence of the site and would detract from views within the AONB, which
were very conspicuous from the direction of the road near Whistling Sands and
also when travelling towards Methlem from the direction of Rhydlios. The
proposal would not contribute positively to the broader landscape of the AONB
and therefore the proposal did not meet the requirements of policy AMG1 of the
LDP.
b)
It was highlighted that the Local Member had
submitted written observations objecting to the application.
c)
It was proposed and seconded to refuse the
application.
RESOLVED to refuse the application
1. The proposed caravan site, due to its location, setting and appearance in
the landscape, would stand out as a prominent and intrusive feature in open countryside
and would have a detrimental impact on the landscape and on the visual
amenities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The proposal is therefore
contrary to policy AMG 1 and TWR 5 The Gwynedd and Anglesey Joint Local Development Plan
(July 2017) (as amended by the Inspector’s Report, 30 June 2017) and the Supplementary Planning Guidance: Holiday
Accommodation, Gwynedd Council.
2. Insufficient
information was submitted regarding the means of sewage disposal from the site
to ensure that the proposal would not cause pollution mainly to the aquatic
environment, therefore the proposal is contrary to criterion 7 of Policy PCYFF
2 The Gwynedd and Anglesey Joint Local
Development Plan (July 2017) (as amended by the Inspector’s Report, 30 June
2017)
Supporting documents: