Meeting documents

Proposal: The erection of an agricultural workers dwelling adjacent to Hillside Farm.

The Planning Officer presented the report as detailed in the agenda, and explained some of the background as to why the dwelling was needed. She also noted that financial information about the viability of the farming business had been carefully considered.

Mr S Fry, agent and accountant for the applicant, noted that financial information submitted for application covered the previous four years, however it had not included the figures up to the end of March 2015. The accounts now showed the business to be economically viable. There had been exceptional costs in recent years due to investment in the farm, but the business was now turning a positive corner as less investment required and less depreciation.

Ward member, Councillor Shane Pledger, commented he knew of the farm and that there had been significant investment in recent years. He supported the application.

During discussion comments raised by members included:

·         Need evidence that the farm is viable

·         Should follow policy, if the dwelling is really needed they could live in temporary accommodation

·         Should defer until the new financial information has been seen

·         Feel accommodation for a worker on the site is justified

In response to comments made, the Development Manager commented that he did not believe officers had seen the latest financial information as mentioned by Mr Fry. He advised members could defer the application, if they were minded to do so, to allow the financial aspects to be reassessed.

It was proposed to defer the application to allow submission of further financial information. On being put to the vote the proposal was carried unanimously.

(Voting: Unanimous)