Agenda item

Planning Application 18/02722/FUL - Land South of Bradon Farm, North Bradon Lane, Isle Brewers

Meeting of Area North Committee, Wednesday 23rd January 2019 2.00 pm (Item 99.)

Minutes:

Proposal: Proposed erection of 7 no. ‘Spanish Style’ polytunnels and associated works.

The Specialist (Planning) presented the application as detailed in the agenda, noting the farm had a large collection of greenhouses, which had historically grown tomatoes and peppers, and were now in strawberry production. He explained that the proposal would enable an extension of the strawberry growing season. The large polytunnels would be of standard construction but with a large footprint. He highlighted key elements of the proposal, the key considerations, and referred to some of the local concerns which had been raised.

The agent addressed members and his comments included:

· In formulating the proposals the applicant had commissioned consultants to prepare assessments regarding landscape, visual impact, flood risk, transport and ecology

· Pleased to see objections from statutory consultees including the flood and highway authorities

· Polythene sheeting will be removed from the polytunnels outside of the growing season, November to March

· There will be no artificial lighting either inside or outside the polytunnels.

· Clients were already working with local community to improve signage for lorries to and from the site

· From June 2019, the applicants would be in control of the transportation of produce to and from the site

· Drainage proposals have been designed following technical advice and standards, this would not only deal with the polytunnels but also help with existing run-off from the land.

· The proposal will increase the production of soft fruit in the UK

Ward member, Councillor Sue Steele, made a number of comments including that it was a well run site and there was good cooperation between the company and the parish council. The business was good for the rural economy. As long as the issue regarding signposting for lorries was resolved, she had no problem with proposal.

During a brief discussion members expressed their support for the application. Comments included:

· Exactly what Area North needs

· Support the proposal but would like to know how the used polythene from the polytunnels be disposed of

At the request of the Chairman, the agent commented he did not know the detail of how the polythene would be dispose of, but reassured members it would be done in an appropriate manner. In response, a member requested that an informative be added to the decision notice regarding proper disposal of waste polythene, and this was agreed by the Specialist.

It was proposed to approve the application, as per the officer recommendation, subject to an additional informative regarding proper disposal of the waste polythene. On being put to the vote, the proposal was carried 10 in favour with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED:

That planning application 18/02722/FUL be APPROVED, as per the officer recommendation, subject to an addition informative regarding proper disposal of waste polythene, and subject to the following:

Justification:

01. The proposed development, by reason of size, scale and materials, is acceptable as it respects the character of the site and its surroundings and has no detrimental impact on highway safety or residential amenity, and would not lead to an increase in local flood risk. As such, the proposed development is considered to accord with the aims and objectives of policies SD1, TA5, EQ2 and EQ7 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.

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 complete accordance with the following approved plans: '8267-100 Revision B', '8267-200', '8267-201 Revision D' and '8267-300'.

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning, and in the interests of visual amenity, in accordance policies SD1, EQ2 and EQ3 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.

03. No work shall commence on site until a surface water drainage scheme based in sustainable drainage principles (including highways drainage), and land drainage scheme for the site, together with a programme of implementation and maintenance for the lifetime of the development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details and shall be permanently retained and maintained thereafter.

Reason: To ensure that the development is served by a satisfactory system of surface water drainage and that the approved system is retained, managed and maintained in accordance with the approved details throughout the lifetime of the development, in accordance with policies EQ1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006/2028) and the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.

04. Site clearance and preparation works shall be undertaken in accordance with a Precautionary Working Method Statement for great crested newts and reptiles, in line with details indicated within the submitted Ecological Assessment (Report Number 11307_R03a_AH_MM, dated 27th July 2018).

Reason: To ensure compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and for the avoidance of harm to legally protected species, in accordance with Local Plan policy EQ4 and the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.

05. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no internal or external illumination/lighting shall be installed or provided on the land or within the polytunnels hereby permitted, without the prior express grant of planning permission.

Reason: In the interests of visual and residential amenity, in accordance with policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Informatives:

01. The applicant is reminded of the comments of Wales and West Utilities, in their letter dated 6th November 2018, which is available on the Council's website. This reminds the applicant of their obligations in respect works near to gas pipes, and the need to obtain relevant consent, where necessary.

02. The applicant is reminded of the comments of the Highway Authority within their letter dated 19th November 2018, which is available on the Council's website. This reminds the applicant of their obligations in respect to carrying out works within an ordinary watercourse, and the need to obtain Land Drainage Consent, where necessary.

03. The applicant is advised that it would be appropriate to seek to amend condition 3 (traffic movements) of planning permission 07/01258/FUL, to correspond with the predicted increase in vehicle movements associated with the development hereby permitted, and to avoid being in breach of the condition.

04. The applicant is asked to note the comments of Isle Abbotts Parish Council, and Isle Brewers Village Meeting, in respect to consideration being given to reviewing and updating existing directional signs on the roads approaching the application site.

05. It is requested that the applicant considers carefully the means of disposal of the polythene sheeting to be used in the development hereby permitted, when it reaches the end of its useful life. The applicant should ensure that it is disposed of in a responsible manner, ideally through recycling, or other responsible means of disposal, rather than in general landfill.

(Voting: 10 in favour, 1 abstention)

Supporting documents: