Agenda item

Public participation

Jayne Baker spoke in objection to the application.

Kevin Light, on behalf of Action River Kennet (ARK), spoke in objection to the application.

Richard Cosker spoke in support of the application.

Will Harley spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Mervyn Hall, speaking on behalf of Marlborough Town Council, spoke in objection to the application.

The Senior Planning Officer introduced the application which recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions. Key issues were stated to include, the principle of the proposed nature park to include the area of casual play space, and whether the proposals would preserve the visual amenities of the area including the scenic quality of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Details were provided on items of late correspondence and representation received since production of the report. Included was a letter from Action River Kennet which had been received in objection to plans for drainage and the comments of the Environment Agency who had no objection, subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.

A site visit by members of the Committee had taken place on 28 August 2014 at 3.00pm.

Members of the Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of the officer. Clarification was sought on who would manage the site. It was explained that Wiltshire Wildlife Trust would take management responsibility. Questions were asked on why planning applications 14/03379/FUL and 14/01766/OUT were being considered separately. It was explained that application 14/03379/FUL was not a residential application it was a change of use separate to 14/01766/OUT. Questions were asked about the nearby A346 and parking within the layby.

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

A debate followed where the proposed inclusion of a kick-about area within the nature park was discussed, along with conservation and changes to the character of the area. Concerns over the impact of drainage and potential flood levels were also debated.

Clarification was sought on the management position and when it would be signed off. It was explained that this was a condition rather than a legal agreement and that issues of management were not issues for consideration of the Committee.

At the conclusion of debate it was,

Resolved:

That the planning permission be REFUSED for the following reasons:

The creation of the kick-about area in the countryside outside of the Limits of Development for Marlborough defined in the Kennet Local Plan, with the associated levelling and re-seeding required, would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the landscape, as it would create a more formal appearance out of keeping with the existing character and appearance of the area as agricultural grassland and former water meadow. This would conflict with policies PD1 (3) and NR6 of the Kennet Local Plan and with paragraph 115 of the NPPF that gives great weight to conserving the landscape and scenic beauty in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A recess was taken from 7.55pm to 8.10pm