Agenda item

Public Participation

David Snape, representing East Kennett, spoke in objection to the application.

John Peck spoke in support of the application.

Stella Goodwin spoke in support of the application.

The Senior Planning Officer introduced the item which recommended that the application be granted planning permission subject to conditions.

An item of late correspondence was circulated. The item was a response from the application’s agent to late representation from the Parish Council. The response was read out to the Committee and those present.

Key issues were noted as including the consideration of the applicant’s fall-back position, issues of noise and safety, and the issue of setting.

Members of the Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of the officer. It was clarified that the figure of 28 days came from government legislation which allows landowners to use land for temporary events up to 28 days each calendar year. It was explained that the fall-back position meant that if the application was refused the applicant could still use the land for shooting for up to 28 days per year. The definition of recreational shooting was noted as shooting for non-agricultural purposes.

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

The unitary division member, Cllr Jemima Milton, spoke to the application. The issue of noise from gunshots reverberating through the bowl-shaped landscape in East Kennett was noted. Cllr Milton explained that a way to ensure shooting only took place once a month was necessary. Concern as expressed over the amount of shells discharged per shoot, as one figure estimated it to be 10,000.

A debate followed where the number of days a year the site would be used for shooting, and the number shots fired per shoot was discussed. The fall-back position for the applicant was considered along with possible conversation between the Public Protection Officer, the applicant, and the community. The site’s location near a world heritage site was also considered.

At the conclusion of debate it was;

Resolved

To grant planning permission subject to the following conditions:

1.       The land edged in red on drawing No. SC 1096 - 02 Location Plan shall not be used for shooting for more than 28 days in any 1 calendar year - the calendar year running from the 1st January to the 31st December. For the avoidance of doubt, the number of days used for shooting in the calendar year 2015 shall not exceed 28.

REASON: In the interest of the protection of the amenities of the surrounding area, notably, the impact of noise on nearby residents and people enjoying the nearby recreational routes in the AONB.

2.       Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (or any Order revoking or re-enacting or amending that Order with or without modification), there shall be no recreational shooting on the land edged in blue on drawing No. SC 1096 - 02 Location Plan.

REASON: In the interest of the protection of the amenities of the surrounding area, notably, the impact of noise on nearby residents.

3.       The landowner shall maintain an up-to-date register of all the shooting that takes at the site, and shall make such information available at all reasonable times to the Local Planning Authority.

REASON: To ensure the use of the site for shooting purposes does not exceed the permitted 28 days.

4.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

Plan Ref: Application Form, Design and Access Statement, Site Plan and Building Plan. Plan Ref: SC 1096 - 02 Location Plan.

REASON: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.