Agenda item

Application Proposal: Erect treehouse around an oak tree for ancillary residential use in connection with Little Cheriton House or for holiday letting purposes.

(Having earlier declared a personal interest in the application, Councillor William Wallace agreed that he would abstain from voting)

The Planning Officer presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation.

He explained that the structure stood on the ground and was not supported by the tree. He further advised that the position of this treehouse was in the middle of a field and he felt this to be inappropriate. He therefore recommended that this planning application be refused.

Mrs J Montgomery, the Planning Agent, addressed the Committee. She advised members that no objections had been received, including from the SSDC Tree Officer and advised that the treehouse was in a discreet location. She further advised that the treehouse would be bespoke tourist accommodation and would bring economic benefits to the local area. She felt that there was a good demand for this facility which was supported by the local pub and the Parish Council.

Councillor William Wallace, Ward Member, agreed that local amenities such as shops would benefit.

Councillor Tim Inglefield, also Ward Member, spoke in support of the application. He pointed out that the tree is hidden in a valley and that the track, which also cannot be seen, it already there.

During the discussion, it was suggested that should the application be approved, it should be conditioned for holiday use only and that should the tree die or be removed, that the structure would also be removed.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the planning application be approved, contrary to the officer recommendation.

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

RESOLVED:  that planning application 16/02788/FUL be approved, contrary to the officer recommendation for the following reason and subject to the following conditions;

01.       The proposal would provide an additional unit of holiday accommodation to the benefit of the rural economy without adverse impact on the character of the locality or highways safety. As such the proposal complies with policies EP8, TA5 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028 and the policies contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

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: 07181-17; Plans and Sections; Elevations A-A, B-B, C-C and D-D; and Proposed Parkland Planting received 27 June 2016.

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

03.       The occupation of the holiday accommodation hereby permitted shall be restricted to bona fide holiday makers for individual periods not exceeding 4 weeks in total in any period of twelve weeks.  A register of holidaymakers shall be kept and made available for inspection by an authorised officer of the Local Planning Authority at all reasonable times.

            Reason:  The accommodation provided is unsuitable for use as a permanent dwelling because of its limited size and inadequate facilities on site and the Local Planning Authority wish to ensure the accommodation is available for tourism.

04.       The development hereby permitted shall not be commenced until particulars of the materials (including the provision of samples where appropriate) to be used for external walls and roofs have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

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

05.       Prior to commencement of the development hereby permitted full particulars detailing hardsurfacing and boundary details shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such details as agreed shall be undertaken on site and thereafter retained.

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

06.       In the event the tree dies or is removed the tree house structure, including all materials, shall be removed from site within 3 months of the tree's loss.

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

(Voting: 6 in favour with 1 abstention)