Agenda item

Proposal: Proposed demolition of two existing agricultural buildings and the erection of two replacement agricultural buildings.

The Planning Officer presented the application as detailed in the agenda report. He updated members that since the agenda had been published, a letter of support had been received detailing that farms should be supported and not too much weight should be given to protecting the setting of the listed building.

During the presentation, the Planning Officer drew members’ attention to the proximity of the proposed barns to existing residential dwellings including a nearby listed building. He referred to the comments from Environmental Health which formed one of the reasons for the officer recommendation of refusal of the application.

Mr M English, supporter, commented he was a parish councillor for Long Load but was addressing members in a personal capacity. He noted the parish council had unanimously supported the application. Long Load needed to be seen as a sustainable community and over the years it had lost several services including the pub, shop and Post office. The farm was a viable business and the community would benefit from a working farm. He did not wish to see the viability of the farm affected in any way.

Mr J Walters, applicant, commented use of the site was an ongoing operation and cattle already used the location. He noted that previously there had been some indication that part of the land could be residential, but as this had not been the case, he wished to revert back to cattle using the site. No objections had been received from the village, parish council or neighbours.

Ward member, Councillor Neil Bloomfield, noted the site was well screened by mature vegetation. Referring to changes in legislation regarding smells and flies, he did not believe there would be any significant impact and that farming should be supported. He did not agree with the officer recommendation for refusal.

Ward member, Councillor Graham Middleton, commented the proposal was for the benefit of the farm, and that the family were well respected in the community. He supported the application.

During discussion most members expressed support for the application, comments raised included:

·         A similar scheme had previously been approved and feel it should be again

·         Farmers need support and there is a genuine need here

·         If living in the countryside need to expect some smells and flies

·         Screening is mature

·         Similar use buildings have been on the site previously

At the conclusion of debate, it was proposed to approve the application, contrary to the officer recommendation, on the grounds that the proximity would not be detrimental to the nearby listed building and cattle were already using the site.

As members were minded to approve the application, the Planning Officer advised that conditions would be required for time limit, plans and landscaping.

On being put to the vote, the proposal was carried unanimously, and the suggested conditions were agreed by members.

(Voting: unanimous in favour)