Creation of site for 12 safari tents
LOCAL MEMBER:
Councillor John Brynmor Hughes
Minutes:
Creation of site
for 12 safari tents
Attention was
drawn to the late observations form and the additional objection.
(a)
The Development Control Team Leader
elaborated on the background of the application, noting that this was an
application to set up a site to place 12 safari tents, 12 wet-room pods next to
each safari tents, and to create footpaths, barbecue areas and a children's
play area. It was noted that this was a site in open
countryside which abutted a class three county road from Llanengan
to Llangïan and which was within the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation,
and within the Landscape of Outstanding Historical Interest.
It was highlighted that Policy TWR 5
of the Local Development Plan permitted proposals for touring or camping sites,
or alternative temporary camping accommodation sites provided they would comply
with all the criteria noted in the report. It was explained that this would
mean that the proposed development was of high quality in terms of design,
layout and appearance, and was sited 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.
It was noted that the tents would
mainly be sited around the boundaries of the field and the wet-room pods would
be installed next to each tent. The applicant confirmed that the safari tents
and their foundations, along with the wet-room pods, would be removed from the
site outside the operating season.
Consequently, the proposal was considered under policy TWR 5, which
involved touring caravan and camping sites, and alternative temporary camping
accommodation.
Attention was drawn to the fact that
the visual and landscape impact assessment had also referred to LANDMAP
assessments in the area (especially the visual and sensory reports) which had
come to the conclusion that the landscape's value was moderate. Although the landscape's value was moderate,
it was expressed that the assessment also noted that it was a small, enclosed,
rural valley with some buildings detracting from the attraction, specifically
the build-up form on the outskirts of Abersoch. The
further recommendations in the LANDMAP assessment stated that caravan
developments within the valley should be restricted in the long-term. In addition, as part of the visual and
landscape impact assessment submitted as part of the application, photographs
were submitted showing the site from various places where it would be visual
from the landscape and across the AONB. It was argued that the site would
continue to be visual from these places even when the proposed landscape
matures.
The Planning Department were not convinced
that the site complied with the principles of policy TWR 5. It was considered
that the proposal would be an obtrusive feature within the landscape and would
cause substantial harm to the visible quality of the landscape which had an
AONB designation.
b) Taking advantage of the right to speak, the
applicant’s agent noted the following comments:
·
That
the site would be clear throughout the winter; tents would only be on the site
during the tourism season
·
That
the site was designed with a low visual impact in mind, by using the site's
shadowy side and mature shrub boundaries
·
That
a full assessment of the impact of the development on the landscape had been
approved by an Officer of the AONB as a thorough and using the correct
methodology
·
That
the Officer accepted that the design of the plan and the tents were of quality
and complied with policy TWR 5
·
That
there was an allegation that this small scale development had created a
detrimental impact
·
The
Natural Resources Wales report noted a moderate landscape value - no more than
that
·
That
the Officer's report had taken elements of this application out of context - an
allegation that the planting plan around the site would not be successful It
would be possible to impose a condition to ensure that landscaping would take
root and thrive
·
That
the views into the site were very scarce and 'only from afar' - an allegation
again that it was obvious to everyone around it. This was not true.
·
Summary
of the assessment - '... Wider visual
impact is limited by the presence of existing vegetation due to the very small
scale of the development ... the impacts on the AONB are negligible and
neutral’.
·
A
request for the Committee to approve. The application complied with local and
national policies
c) Taking advantage of the right to speak,
the Local Member (not a member of this Planning Committee), noted that he had
no objection to the application
·
He
agreed completely with the agency's words
·
The
applicant had carried out detailed work to research native trees to the area
along with biodiversity requirements
·
The
area was a tourism area - needed to consider the area's welfare in terms of
local economy
·
The
pods would not be on the site throughout the year
·
They
were referred to as safari tents, but they were actually pods
·
The
site was within the Local Development Plan
ch) It was proposed and
seconded to refuse the application in accordance with the recommendation.
d) During the ensuing discussion, the
following points were highlighted by individual Members:
·
The
biggest stumbling block was the likely impact on the AONB
·
When
considering policies, this usually was a matter to opinion, and this
application might be one of these cases. It was a matter of opinion whether
there would be an impact on the AONB
·
It
must be endeavoured not to spoil the area, and these were the reasons that
visitors were encouraged to come to the area
·
The
site was unfamiliar - propose a site visit
·
Needed
information on the size of the pods
An amendment to the
proposal was made to arrange a site visit.
RESOLVED to arrange a site visit.
Supporting documents: