Agenda item

The Planning Officer presented the application as detailed in the agenda and with the aid of a powerpoint presentation showed the site and proposed plans. 

He updated members with comments from the Area South Development Team who support the application and considered it to be an excellent facility and focal point for the community.  He also confirmed that West Coker Parish Council were in full support of the application. 

He believed the proposal to be a well-designed building and of acceptable distant from the existing boundary fence and adjacent replacement bungalow.  Historic England and the SSDC Conservation Officer also voiced support of the application and therefore concluded that for reasons set out in the agenda report his recommendation was to approve the application.

David Neal Chairman of West Coker Parish Council addressed the committee.   He explained the development of the project so far and the excellent support from various organisations including help from the Heritage Lottery.  He believed the visitor centre was not only an excellent asset for the village but for Area South and the district as a whole.

Chris Barker the applicant also addressed the committee and invited members to visit the project to see the excellent work undertaken in restoring the buildings and site.

Ward members Councillors Cathy Bakewell and Gina Seaton both voiced their full support of the application. 

The Chairman also expressed his full support and appreciation of the project and believed the work undertaken in restoring the site, its buildings and machinery is outstanding and has created a wonderful facility.

Following a short discussion, members believed the project to be an excellent facility and voiced full support of the application.  It was then proposed and subsequently seconded to approve the application as per the officer’s recommendation as set out in the agenda report.  On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

That application 17/03659/FUL be granted subject to the following:

01.       The proposals by reason of their size, scale and subject to appropriate conditions would not adversely affect residential or visual amenity, character of the area or Conservation area, the listed buildings, contamination, archaeology and highway safety. As such the proposals comply with policies SD1, SS1, EP8, TA5, EQ2, EQ3 and EQ7 of the adopted South Somerset Local Plan and the aims and objectives of the NPPF.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

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

            Reason:  To accord with the provisions of section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 326/01 received 7 September 2017, amended drawing 326/06A received 3 October 2017 and 326/04B and 326/05B received 17 October 2017.

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

03.       No work shall be carried out on site to any external walls or roofs unless particulars of the materials (including the provision of samples where appropriate) to be used for external walls and roofs (including the final proposal for the reclaimed posts) have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such particulars will include the detailed finish (rough sawn, hand tooled, etc.) Slate hooks shall not be used.

            Reason: In the interests of preserving the setting of the listed building in accordance with Policy EQ3 of the adopted South Somerset Local Plan (2006 - 2028).

04.       No work shall be carried out to fit any doors, windows, boarding or other external opening unless details of the design, materials and external finish of these elements have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. This will include detailed drawings including sections of at least 1:5. Such approved details, once carried out shall not be altered without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

            Reason: In the interests of preserving the setting of the listed building in accordance with Policy EQ3 of the adopted South Somerset Local Plan (2006 - 2028).

05.       No work shall be carried out in relation to roof eaves, verges and rainwater goods unless the design details of all roof eaves, verges and abutments, including detail drawings at a scale of 1:5, and all new cast metal guttering, down pipes, other rainwater goods, and external plumbing shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  Such details once carried out shall not be altered without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

            Reason: In the interests of preserving the setting of the listed building in accordance with Policy EQ3 of the adopted South Somerset Local Plan (2006 - 2028).

06.       In the event that any signs of pollution such as poor plant growth, odour, staining of the soil, unusual colouration or soil conditions, or remains from the past industrial use, are found in the soil at any time when carrying out the approved development it must be reported in writing within 14 days to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). The LPA will then consider if the findings have any impact upon the development and development must be halted on that part of the site. If the LPA considers it necessary then an assessment of the site must be undertaken in accordance with BS10175. Where remediation is deemed necessary by the LPA a remediation scheme must be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA and then implemented in accordance with the submitted details."

            Reason: To protect the health of future occupiers of the site from any possible effects of contaminated land, in accordance with Policy EQ7 of the adopted South Somerset Local Plan (2006 - 2028).

07.       The area allocated for parking and turning on the submitted plan shall be kept clear of obstruction and shall not be used other than for parking and turning of vehicles in connection with the development hereby permitted.

            Reason: In the interests of highway safety in accordance with Policies TA5 and TA6 of the adopted South Somerset Local Plan (2006 - 2028).

(voting: unanimous)