Agenda item

To consider an application for the demolition of existing agricultural buildings, removal of slurry pit, silage clamp, concrete hard standing and erection of 4no. detached dwellinghouses with associated access and agricultural access.

That planning application 2023/1226/FUL be APPROVED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation with an additional condition regarding a sustainability statement from the applicant to be provided prior to the commencement of work.

Votes – Unanimous in favour

Application for the demolition of existing agricultural buildings, removal of slurry pit, silage clamp, concrete hard standing and erection of 4no. detached dwellinghouses with associated access and agricultural access.

The Officer’s Report stated that the application had been referred to the Committee as it represented a departure from the Local Plan Policy.

Wanstrow Parish Council had noted the flood risk and comments from the Highways Officer, and requested that, if approved, the perennial flooding after rainfall on the highway at the bend adjacent to the site be corrected. In response, the Highways Officer stated that following the submission of revised drawings and additional drainage details, the Highway Authority raised no objections subject to the imposition of standard highway safety conditions as suggested.

There had been 1 letter of support from a local resident and no objections from any of the statutory or other consultees, although the Environmental Protection Officer had said that due to the proximity of neighbouring residential properties, a Construction Management Plan Condition would be necessary.  Contaminated Land Officers wished to remind the applicant that due to the historical farming use of the site, there should be a watching brief for potential hotspots of contamination throughout the construction process.

The Officer’s Report advised that the NPPF stated that planning permission should be granted unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits and given the lack of a five-year housing land supply this ‘tilted balance’ would apply. The benefits of the proposal would include the provision of 4 new dwellings, which would make a contribution to the housing land supply which would have economic benefits for the duration of the construction phase and thereafter for local facilities including the garage and public house.

However, the amount of weight given to these benefits was limited by the fact that the proposal would be in an unsustainable location.

Nonetheless, it would appear to be a logical small extension to the village and would be seen against the backdrop of existing houses from many vantage points. It would not appear as an incongruous ‘bolt-on’ or visually remote from the settlement. The scheme would be seen as an enhancement to the immediate setting both visually and in terms of amenity.

As no  demonstrable harm had been identified the Officer concluded that a recommendation for approval was justified.

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

The Committee was then addressed by a representative from Wanstrow Parish Council. Their comments included:

• The Parish Council recommended approval of the application.
• The small-scale ‘organic’ growth to the village was sensible and acceptable.
• Flooding concerns had been addressed and were acceptable.
• The number and design of the buildings would sit well in the landscape.
• They would benefit the locality and replace agricultural buildings, thus reducing heavy traffic through the conservation area.
• There were no objections from local residents.

The next speaker was the applicant’s agent who made the following points:

• The existing calf unit was being relocation to a nearby facility.
• Traffic would be reduced on the highway.
• The Parish Council voted unanimously to approve the application.
• There had not been any objections from residents or statutory consultees.
• The homes would be heated with combination solar and battery boilers and underfloor heating.

In the discussion which followed, Members made a number of comments including the following:

• It would appear to be an excellent scheme and the design was sympathetic to the area.
• The gardens were a useful size.
• Would like to see a list of the proposed sustainability provisions.

At the conclusion of the debate, it was proposed by Councillor Helen Kay and seconded by Councillor Barry Clarke to approve the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation with an additional condition for a sustainability statement to be provided in advance of the work commencing.

On being put to the vote the proposal was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED

That planning application 2023/1226/FUL for the demolition of existing agricultural buildings, removal of slurry pit, silage clamp, concrete hard standing and erection of 4no. detached dwellinghouses with associated access and agricultural access on land at Manor Farm, Church Street To Lower Lane, Wanstrow, Shepton Mallet be APPROVED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation with an additional condition regarding a sustainability statement from the applicant to be provided prior to the commencement of work.

Voting – Unanimous in favour