Agenda item

To consider an application for the siting of two holiday lodges on the southern part of The Pastures. Previously planning permission has been granted for three lodges, two of which have been implemented and in place of the third approved lodge the proposal is to erect two lodges in lieu of the one.

The Principal Specialist presented Planning Application No. SL/2021/0052 which sought approval for the siting of two holiday lodges on the southern part of The Pastures, where previous planning permission had already been granted for three lodges, two of which had been implemented. The proposal sought to erect two lodges in lieu of the one. Referring to the site plans and photographs, he illustrated the features of the site, pointing out that the proposed lodges would reflect the existing ones stylistically and assure a degree of homogeneity. The Officers recommended approval of the application subject to the conditions attached, with the added recommendation that approval also be subject to a change of condition 6.

Members thanked the Principal Specialist for presenting the report and gave consideration to the application. Members specifically raised questions as to why work had begun on the site prior to the approval of the planning permission. The Principal Specialist agreed that this was frustrating, but stated that unfortunately it was not an offence and hence could not cloud judgment when making a decision on the approval of the application.

A motion to approve the application was proposed and seconded and a vote was taken on the motion, during which all Planning Committee Members confirmed that they had, without interruption, heard the full presentation and discussion on the item and it was -

RESOLVED – that the application be approved, subject to the following conditions: –

Condition (1) The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than three years from the date of this decision.

Reason: To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

Condition (2) The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Site Location Plan - Drawing No. Plan 01 received 27th January 2021, Proposed site plan Drawing No Plan 03 received 27th January 2021, Extra boundary hedge planting at Meadows End specification dated 12th January 2021, Plan and elevations 2008069-0 received 22nd January 2021, Metrotile slate-charcoal grey roof specification received 22nd January 2021, Facing material boarding wall specification received 22^nd January 2021 and Bird Box design received 22nd January 2021.

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

Condition (3) The lodges shall not be occupied other than as holiday accommodation. They shall not be used at any time as sole and principal residences by any occupants.

Reason: To safeguard the local tourist economy in accordance with Policy DM18 of the Councils Development Management Policies.

Condition (4) The owner/operator of the site known as 'The Pastures' as outlined on the Site Location Plan shall maintain an up-to-date register of the names of all of the individual caravan owners and occupiers and their main home addresses, and shall make the following information available to the Local Planning Authority upon request: - copies of the register; - a copy of the licence between the site owner / operator; and - the lodge owner / occupier for each pitch.

Reason: To safeguard the local tourist economy in accordance with Policy DM18 of the Councils Development Management Policies.

Condition (5). Within the next planting season, unless agreed otherwise in writing by the

Local Planning Authority the approved landscaping scheme shall be fully implemented. Any trees/shrubs, which are removed, die, become severely damaged or diseased within five years of their planting shall be replaced in the next planting season with rees / shrubs of similar size and species to those originally required to be planted unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

Reason: These details are required to safeguard and enhance the character of the area and secure high quality landscaping in accordance with saved Policy DM1 of the Councils

Development Management Policies.

Condition (6) a) No site clearance, preparatory work or development shall take place until a scheme for the protection of the retained trees (the tree protection plan) and the appropriate working methods (the arboricultural method statement) in accordance with Clause 7 of British Standard BS5837 - Trees in Relation to Construction - Recommendations has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. b) The tree protection measures shall be carried out as described and approved, and shall be maintained until the development is completed.

Reason: These details are required to be approved before the commencement of development to ensure the protection and retention of important landscape features in accordance with Policy DM1 of the Councils Development Management Policies.

Note – Condition 6 was amended. The applicant submitted the tree protection plan prior to the hearing, and has been checked and approved by Officers. Therefore the Condition has been changed to one which required the applicant to implement the agreed plan completely for the duration of the development.

Condition (7) No external lighting shall be installed until a lighting scheme, including details of the design, size, luminance level and shielding arrangements have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The lighting shall be installed in accordance with the approved scheme and retained thereafter.

Reason: These details are required to be approved before the commencement of development to safeguard and enhance the character of the area in accordance with Policy DM1 of the Councils Development Management Policies.

Condition (8) Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (or any order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), the written approval of the Local Planning Authority shall be obtained for the construction and siting of any buildings, structures, erections, motorhomes or touring caravans (whether temporary or otherwise) to be placed or parked on the site.

Reason: To preserve the local environment and landscape in accordance with Policy DM1 of the Councils Development Management Policies.

Condition (9) Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (or any order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), the written approval of the Local Planning Authority shall be obtained for the placing of any overhead electricity service lines on the site.

Reason: To preserve the local environment and landscape in accordance with Policy DM1 of the Councils Development Management Policies.

Condition (10) Within three months of the first occupation of the lodges, the approved bird boxes shall be placed on the lodges and retained thereafter.

Reason: In order to provide a gain in biodiversity and in accordance with Policy DM4 of the Councils Development Management Policies.