Agenda item

Change of use of redundant agricultural buildings to B1 (Business), B2 (General industrial) and B8 (Storage or distribution)

The Planning Officer presented his report to Members with the aid of a powerpoint presentation. He pointed out to the Committee that there had been local concern over volumes of traffic; however he considered that the amount of traffic would be reduced by this proposal.

He also pointed out that this was an amended, smaller scheme and that his recommendation was that the planning application be approved as his report detailed.

Lilian Elson, representing the Holton Heritage Trust, spoke in objection to the proposal. She urged the Committee to refuse the planning application as she felt that the roads were too narrow for the additional traffic.

Mr C Statham and Mr B Bryan spoke in objection to the application. They both raised concerns over the level of traffic on the single lane road and hoped that the application would be refused.

Other comments  included;

·         That there is no local need

·         An independent traffic assessment should have been carried out

·         Concern was raised over what may be stored on the site

·         The road is unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles

Mr G Garton addressed the Committee and spoke in support of the application. He pointed out to Committee that the access road was a wide and well-maintained stretch of road and considered that the proposal would not cause an issue as the traffic would not run through the village.

Mr L Wadman, applicant, addressed the Committee. He highlighted to Members that if the buildings remained as agricultural use, that the same level of traffic would use the wide road and that he was trying to regularise an existing use to diversify the farm to create an income.

Councillor William Wallace, Ward Member, informed the Committee that he had attended the Parish Council meeting with Councillor Tim Inglefield and that he was aware of the Parish Council concerns. He noted that a traffic assessment would have been useful.

Councillor Mike Lewis declared a personal interest as the proposal for rural industrial units had similarities to a business which he was involved with. 

At the end of the discussion, it was initially proposed to defer the planning application to allow an independent traffic assessment.

On being put to the vote, the proposal was not supported, 2 in support and 5 against.

It was subsequently proposed to approve the planning application as per the officer recommendation.

On being put to the vote, this was carried 6 in favour, 2 against with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission 15/03372/COU be approved as per the officer recommendation.

Justification

01.       The proposed change of use by reason of its scale and location represents an acceptable that accords with Policy EQ2, TA5 and TA6 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006 - 2028.

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: Location Plan received 1 December 2015 and Plan of Demolition received 22 July 2015.

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

03.       Within 3 months of the date of this permission a properly consolidated and surfaced access shall be constructed (not loose stone or gravel) a minimum width of 5m and for a distance of 6m details of which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The access shall be constructed in accordance with the agreed design and shall be maintained in the agreed form thereafter at all times.

            Reason: In the interests of highway safety further to Policy TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006 - 2028.

04.       Within 3 months of the date of this permission for change of use there shall be submitted to and agreed by the Local Planning Authority a scheme for parking and turning provided in line with the Somerset County Council Parking Strategy. The said spaces and access shall be properly consolidated and surfaced within a timescale to be agreed, and shall thereafter be kept clear of obstruction at all times and not used other than for the parking of vehicles or for the purpose of access.

            Reason: In the interests of highway safety further to Policy TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006 - 2028.

05.       Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no additional windows or other openings (including doors) shall be formed in the building, or other external alteration made without the prior express grant of planning permission.

            Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and character and appearance, further to Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006 - 2028.

(Voting: 6 in favour, 2 against with 1 abstention)