Meeting documents

SSDC Area North Committee
Wednesday, 23rd September, 2015 2.00 pm

  • Meeting of Area North Committee, Wednesday 23rd September 2015 2.00 pm (Item 75.)

Minutes:

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

The Planning Officer reminded Members that they had deferred the application two months previously for further financial information on the viability of the farm.  The Economic Development Officer had reviewed the accounts and confirmed that there was adequate need for the dwelling. He confirmed the business was viable and should be supported and that it was in accord with Local Plan policy HG9.

Mrs M Wilkins, a nearby neighbour, said her property would be closely overlooked as the proposed house would look directly into the bedrooms and bathroom of her property. She said if the house was turned to face the yard then the overlooking would be reduced.

The Ward Member, Councillor Shane Pledger, said the neighbours objections may be overcome with planting to screen the overlooking. 

During discussion, varying views were expressed. Some Members felt that the dwelling was justified in the officer’s report and that farming businesses should be supported whilst others felt it would set a precedent and a temporary accommodation permission could have been sought. Concern was also expressed at the design of the dwelling. 

The officer’s recommendation to approve permission was proposed and seconded, and, on being put to the vote, an equal vote was recorded. The Chairman used his casting vote in favour of granting permission. (Voting: 6 in favour, 6 against with the Chairman’s casting vote in favour).

RESOLVED:

That planning application 15/01151/FUL be APPROVED, as per the officer recommendation,for the following reasons:

The proposal, by reason of its proven need, satisfies the criteria for agricultural workers dwellings and respects the character of the area without resulting in any demonstrable harm to visual amenity, residential amenity, highway safety or the environment in accordance with the aims and objectives of policies SD1, HG9, TA5, TA6 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan and the provisions of 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 drawings numbered 006/001 received 11/03/2015 and 006/100A received 16/04/2015.

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

03.     The occupation of the dwelling shall be limited to a person solely or mainly working, or last working, in the locality in agriculture, as defined in Section 336(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, or in forestry or a widow or widower of such a person, and to any resident dependants.

         Reason: The Local Planning Authority would not have been prepared to grant planning permission but for the dwelling being essential for the proper functioning of the enterprise in accordance with policy HG9 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

04.     The development hereby permitted shall not be commenced unless 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 interest of visual amenity to accord with policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

05.     The internal ground floor levels of the dwelling hereby permitted and the ground levels shall accord with the details set out on drawing number 006/100A received 16/04/2015, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

         Reason: In the interest of visual amenity to accord with policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

06.     Before the development hereby permitted is commenced, foul and surface water drainage details to serve the development, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such approved drainage details shall be completed and become fully operational before the development hereby permitted is first brought into use.  Following its installation such approved scheme shall be permanently retained and maintained thereafter.

         Reason: In the interest of environmental health and to ensure the site is adequately drained to accord with policy EQ7 of the South Somerset

07.     The areas allocated for parking and turning shall be kept clear of obstruction and shall not be used other than for the purpose of parking and turning of vehicles in connection with the development hereby permitted.

         Reason: To ensure that adequate parking is provided and maintained to meet the needs of the development in accordance with policy TA6 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

08.     Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), there shall be no extensions to this dwelling without the prior express grant of planning permission.

         Reason: To restrict the size of the dwelling to that justified and approved to accord with policy EQ2 and HG9 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

09.      Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no garages or other outbuildings shall be erected within the application site without the prior express grant of planning permission.

         Reason: To restrict the size of the dwelling to that justified and approved to accord with policy EQ2 and HG9 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

(Voting: 6 in favour, 6 against with the Chairman’s casting vote in favour)

Supporting documents: