Agenda item

(Having declared a Personal and Prejudicial Interest Councillor Henry Hobhouse left the room during consideration of this item).

The Planning Officer presented the application as detailed in the agenda and with the aid of a powerpoint showed the proposed site and surrounding area.  He informed members that a further 6 letters of support had been received to support the removal of the occupancy condition in order that it allows the applicants the ability to raise capital and allows the business to continue to develop and thrive.  

He informed members that no additional information to support the removal of the application had been submitted by the applicant and his recommendation was to refuse the application as for the reasons set out in the agenda report.

Mr John Knight Chairman of Pitcombe Parish Council addressed the committee.   He spoke in support of the application and referred to the local support given to this application.  He referred to the recently published Parish Plan which looks to support and encourages local businesses and small scale industry on the acceptance that it does not have an impact on the character of the surrounding local area.   He believed this application does not compromise this position.

Mrs Lucy Comer the applicant’s wife addressed the committee and provided several comments on behalf of a local resident who was unable to attend the meeting.  These included the need for flexibility in order for the business to succeed, referred to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which heavily advocates sustainability and that the Quarry was an asset to the local area and therefore voiced support for the application.

Mr Robert Comer the applicant then addressed the committee.   He informed members that the non-fragmentation condition had already been removed and believed there was a resistance to remove any further conditions although attempts were made to undertake pre-application discussions.  He said the business was expanding rapidly and he had already invested heavily with an increased workforce.   It was therefore believed the removal of the condition would allow him to raise additional monies to invest further in the business with the full market value allowable.

Councillor Mike Beech, Ward member appreciated the owner’s position but respected that these conditions were imposed for a reason.  He felt that further information was required from the application at this stage in order to satisfy the reasons for the removal of the condition.

During discussion members appreciated the need to support local businesses and help them to continue to develop and expand.  However they raised concern regarding the lack of information or detailed business plan submitted with the application in order for a decision to be substantiated.   

The Area Lead Officer also considered additional information in the way of a business plan was an acceptable way forward and although had no reason to doubt the application or guarantee approval, it would give assurances and detail an investment strategy for the business in the next 3-5 years to bring the business forward.  

Following a short debate, it was proposed and subsequently seconded to defer the application to seek additional information regarding business case and financing of business plans with a view of the application being brought back to committee in June.  On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission 16/00381/S73 be deferred, to seek additional information regarding business case and financing of business plans.

(Voting: Unanimous)