Agenda item

Application Proposal: Outline application for the development of a farmhouse, associated agricultural buildings, amenity space, fodder store, machine store and livestock buildings

The Planning Officer presented his report to members, advising there had been no updates since the report had been published. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he presented photographs of the proposed site and detailed the position of the proposed access from Wyke Road.

He advised members that should the application be approved, legal agreement would supplement the decision to ensure that the existing farm and farmhouse would be given-up at a suitable time. He also advised that following negotiations, the SSDC Highways Consultant had now found the access to be acceptable. He also confirmed that the Landscape Architect raised no objections to the application and commented that the proposed location was the favoured position within the applicants’ ownership. It was the recommendation of the Planning Officer that the application be approved subject to planning conditions and a legal agreement to ensure that existing farmstead was given-up at a suitable time.

The applicant addressed the committee. He advised that the existing farm and farmhouse was located within an area of residential growth and would be demolished. He explained that he had begun farming many years ago and that he had built up a viable successful business which would be continued by his daughter. He explained that some of the breeds on the farm were rare breeds and hoped that the members would support the application to enable the family business to continue.

Councillor Nick Weeks, the Ward Member, offered his support to the application.

In response to a question from a member, the Planning Officer confirmed that the financial and functional need of the farm had been assessed.

In response to another question, the applicant confirmed that the proposed new location for the farm would be set in 88 acres of land.

It was proposed and seconded that the application be approved, as per the agenda report.

On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: that planning application 17/04180/OUT be approved as per the officer recommendation subject to;

a)         The prior completion of a section 106 agreement or unilateral undertaking (in a form acceptable to the Council's solicitor(s)) before the decision notice granting planning permission is issued to ensure that the existing dwelling and farm buildings are demolished prior to the occupation of the currently proposed development, or within a reasonable period of such occupation, as may be agreed with the local planning authority.

b)         The below conditions.

For the following reason:

01.          The proposed relocation of an existing agricultural business (including an agricultural worker's dwelling), is considered to be acceptable in this location. Subject to suitable details at reserved matters stage, the proposed development on this site would respect the character of the locality with no demonstrable harm to residential amenity or highway safety. As such the proposal complies with policies SD1, SS1, TA5, TA6, EQ2 and HG9 of the local plan, and the aims and objectives of the NPPF.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS;

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 43406/5501/SK01C and 140804L0101 received 24 April 2018.

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

02.       Details of the appearance and landscaping (herein after called the "reserved matters") shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority before any development begins and the development shall be carried out as approved.

            Reason: As required by Section 92(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

03.       Application for approval of the reserved matters shall be made to the Local Planning Authority before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission and the development shall begin no later than 3 years from the date of this permission or not later than 2 years from the approval of the last "reserved matters" to be approved.

            Reason: As required by Section 92(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act

            1990.

04.       The occupation of the dwelling hereby permitted shall be limited to a person solely or mainly working, or last working, in the locality in agriculture or in forestry, or a widow or widower of such a person, and to any resident dependants.

            Reason: In the interests of sustainable development in accordance with policies SD1, SS1 and HG9 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

05.       Before the development hereby permitted is commenced, foul and surface water drainage details to serve the development (including details of how surface water will be prevented from discharging onto the highway), shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and such approved drainage details shall be completed and become fully operational before the development hereby permitted is first brought into use.  Following its installation such approved scheme shall be permanently retained and maintained thereafter.

            Reason: In the interests of local amenities and highway safety in accordance with policies TA5 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

06.       Before the dwelling hereby permitted is first occupied, the access over the first 6 metres of its length shall be properly consolidated and surfaced (not loose stone or gravel) details of which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, before works are carried out on the access.

            Reason: In the interests of highway safety and in accordance with policy TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

07.       There shall be no obstruction to visibility greater than 900mm above adjoining road level in advance of lines drawn 2.4m back from the carriageway edge on the centre line of the accesses and extending to points on the nearside carriageway edge 120m either side of the accesses.  Such visibility shall be fully provided before the development hereby permitted is first brought into use and shall thereafter be maintained at all times.

            Reason: In the interests of highway safety and in accordance with policy TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

08.       Any entrance gates shall be hung to open inwards and set back a minimum distance of 5m from the highway at all times.

            Reason: In the interests of highway safety and in accordance with policy TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

Informatives:

01.       Please be advised that subsequent full or reserved matters approval by South Somerset District Council will attract a liability payment under the Community Infrastructure Levy. CIL is a mandatory financial charge on development and you will be notified of the amount of CIL being charged on this development in a CIL Liability Notice.

You are required to complete and return Form 1 Assumption of Liability as soon as possible and to avoid additional financial penalties it is important that you notify us of the date you plan to commence development before any work takes place Please complete and return Form 6 Commencement Notice.

You are advised to visit our website for further details https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/cil or email cil@southsomerset.gov.uk

(Voting: unanimous)