Agenda item

Public Participation

• Margaret Thackway, local resident, spoke in objection to the application
• Nigel Brown, local resident, spoke in objection to the application
• Derek Tanswell, Agent, spoke in support of the application
• Denis Barnard, representing Chapmanslade Parish Council, spoke in objection to the application.

The Planning Officer introduced the report which recommended approval, subject to conditions.  The planning application was for the erection of an agricultural barn and retrospective hardstanding area..

Members of the Committee were informed that there had been extensive negotiations with the Local Planning Authority and the applicant, and in response to a recent inspectors decision the proposed barn had been relocated to be sited closer to existing buildings and the existing road to reduce its impact upon the open countryside. The size of the barn was now in accordance with the agricultural consultants opinion that the barn should be no larger than 115 square metres.

The Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of the officer.

Members of the public then had the opportunity to address the Committee with their views, as detailed above.

The Local Member, Cllr Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, then spoke to the application and raised issues relating to the scale of the development, the visual impact upon the surrounding area and the design. 

The Committee then considered the application and were concerned that permission for a building of the size proposed would result in the use of a commercial livery.  It was suggested that a condition be added stating that use be restricted solely to agricultural purposes.  It was noted that the barn would be used amongst other things for sheep shearing, however this activity was not included in the suggested conditions.  Members asked for the sheep shearing activity to be added to condition 4.   

It was proposed that a site visit be held for members to have a clearer understanding of the site and the location of the barn in relation to the landscape and the road.  However, the request was not agreed by the Committee.

Resolved:

That Planning Permission be granted for the following reason(s):

The decision to grant planning permission has been taken on the grounds that the proposed development would not cause any significant harm to interests of acknowledged importance and having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and the following policies and proposals in the West Wiltshire District Plan 1st Alteration 2004 namely Saved Policies C1, C3, C31a and C38.

In accordance with paragraph 187 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Wiltshire Council has worked proactively to secure this development to improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area through pre-application negotiations.

1       The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

          REASON:  To comply with the provisions of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with drawing numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 received on 23rd November 2012.

3       Within 3 months of the barn hereby approved first being put into use the storage containers shall be removed from site unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

          REASON: Due to the impact the storage containers have on the Special Landscape Area having regard to Saved Policy C3 of the West Wiltshire District Plan 1st Alteration 2004.

4        The building hereby approved shall not be used for the permanent    accommodation of livestock. No livestock shall be temporarily housed in the             building unless the need for temporary accommodation arises from (i)       quarantine requirements; or (ii) lambing; (iii) shearing; or (iv) in the case of            animals normally kept out of doors, they require temporary accommodation           in a building or other structure- (aa) because they are sick; or (bb) to provide      temporary shelter against extreme weather conditions.

           Reason: the use of the building for the permanent housing of livestock        would require further detailed consideration due to its location close to          neighbouring properties having regard to the provisions of Saved Policy C38 of the West Wiltshire District Plan 1st Alteration 2004.

5       No development shall commence on site until details and samples of the materials to be used for the external walls and roofs have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

          REASON: In the interests of visual amenity and the character and appearance of the area having regard to Saved Policy C31a of the West Wiltshire District Plan 1st Alteration 2004.

6.       The building shall be used solely for agricultural purposes.

           REASON: The building is solely justified to meet the agricultural        requirements of the holding and alternative uses could give rise to additional           planning considerations, such as additional traffic generation and impact on   the amenity of neighbouring properties.

INFORMATIVE – The applicant is advised that equestrian uses, such as livery use, are not an agricultural use of the land and would require planning permission for a change of use.