Decision details

Application for the change of use from agricultural land to residential garden. Creation of driveway, hardstanding, turning and parking area

The Officer’s Report stated that this application had been referred to the Planning Committee as it was a departure from the Local Plan. The Recommendation was for approval.

The Report continued that Batcombe Parish Council had recommended approval subject to Highways not raising any objection. There had been no letters of support or objection from local residents.

In conclusion, the Officer’s Report said although the development would be outside development limits, it would abut an existing residential property. The proposed use was not considered to have a detrimental impact on the adjoining land uses or highway safety and was considered to represent a sustainable form of development.  It was therefore recommended that planning permission be granted as a departure from the development plan.

The Planning Officer explained the application to the Committee with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation.

There were no speakers on the application.

After a brief discussion some Members noted the possibility of the parking area being developed in future and wondered if permitted development rights should be removed to prevent this. The Planning Officer advised that the permission was for a parking area for private domestic use and it was not possible to know what applications may come forward in the future. However, removal of Permitted Development rights would be a possible condition.

Another Member raised concerns about increased run-off from the new driveway and requested that permeable paving be used.  The Planning Officer confirmed that this was already recommended as a condition. It was noted that road safety on the lane was an issue and permitting the property to have its own parking area would alleviate some highway safety risks.

At the conclusion of the debate, it was proposed by Councillor Claire Sully and seconded by Councillor Heather Shearer that the application be approved in accordance with the Officer’s Recommendation set out in the Report. On being put to the vote the proposal was carried with 10 votes in favour and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED

That planning application 2023/0411/FUL be approved in accordance with the Officer’s Recommendation.