Agenda and minutes

Cllr Greenow sent his apologies via Cllr Holmes

Cllr Rhodes sent his apologies

Cllr Glancy sent her apologies and was substituted by Cllr Higgins

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting on 6^th September 2018

Minutes of the meeting held 06^th September 2018.

A Cllr wished to add to the minutes regarding 18/00632/OUT, that it is Council Policy for a development of this size to include a play area.

Approval of the minutes subject to the above amendment was proposed by Cllr Cumbers and seconded by Cllr Bains.

It was unanimously agreed by the members present at the previous meeting that The Chair sign them as a true record.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

None

Wycomb Lane, Scalford

Applicant:     Mr & Mrs Watchorn

Location:      Land off Wycomb Lane, Scalford

Proposal:      Proposed log cabin for tourism use

(a)  The development Manager (LP) stated that: The application seeks full planning permission to site a log cabin on land north east of Scalford village approximately 1.5km from Scalford with access from Wycomb Lane.

Members requested confirmation of nearby footpaths to the site and these are displayed on the screen taken from the County Council Website, additional information with regards to location of parking and recreation space was requested by members but this has not been provided by the agent.

There are no updates to the report and the proposal is recommended for refusal due to the location of the cabin not being considered as sustainable tourism and therefore not in accordance with either the NPPF nor the Melton Local Plan which has now passed examination and should be given significant weight.

(b) David Manning, on behalf of the Agent, Maurice Fairhurst was invited to speak and stated that:

·         Proposed site is on the site of disused recreational grounds

·         Network of footpaths connects site to other villages

·         Site has existing access which is to be realigned and widened to improve visibility splays

·         The single cabin is not a significant development and will not attract significant amounts of traffic

·         The cabin will be largely hidden from view through existing/new planting

·         Existing parking and turning spaces

·         Level site, with plenty of room to do whatever is required

·         Support from residents, no objections

·         Will diversify the farm’s business interests

·         Create and help to sustain local employment

·         No adverse impact to the local landscape

·         Some smaller tourist sites, like this one may have to be found satisfactory in terms of sustainability

·         People attracted by the peace and quiet of these rural areas

·         Cannot agree that it’s been said the site is unsustainable due to its distance from the nearest services and facilities. Makes a comparison to the success of Eye Kettleby Lakes

A Cllr commented that the proposed 1 bathroom didn’t seem enough for the 3 bedrooms which could potentially accommodate 6 adults.

The Agent agreed 6 occupants would be tight. 4 or 5 would be much more realistic, and suggested that the applicants would willingly look at this again in order to provide top quality facilities.

A Cllr queried the curtilage. The COU is within the red line. With cars and recreational space this seems very tight. Could it be considered to extend curtilage?

The Agent stated that they are encouraged to minimise anything that happens out in open countryside. The red line is more than 7m from the building. If deemed appropriate, and committee agreed, the applicants who own the whole plot, would be more that happy to extend to 10m or 15m.

The Agent added that the whole farm will be open to visitors, which is part of the appeal.

Cllr Holmes, Ward Cllr for Waltham on the Wolds, proposed to permit the application. The reasons given, that it encourages diversification, and would  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL41.1

Ivy House, 18 Tilton Road, Twyford

Applicant: Mr & Mrs and Hiranthi Cook

Location: Twyford House, 18 Tilton Road, Twyford, LE14 2HZ

Proposal: Erection of farm barn for cider apple storage and processing with general farm use, 105 metre long access track.

(a) The Development Manager (LP) stated that: The proposal seeks full permission to erect a barn for the storage and processing of apples for cider production on agricultural land to the west of Twyford, since the application has been submitted the location of the barn has been amended to be sited further away from residential dwellings and is now approximately 170 metres away from the nearest dwelling.

Since the report was published members should note that one objection has been withdrawn and ecology have responded to the amended location and raise no objection.

There are no further updates and the application is recommended for approval subject to conditions as set out in the report.

(b) David Manning, the Agent on behalf of the Applicant, was invited to speak and stated that:

• Application is for a very small barn in comparison to most modern farm buildings
• Purpose is to store harvested apples, a crusher and storage tanks. Lean to for equipment
• Only traffic will be 10 x 7.5 tonne lorries per annum
• Planning conditions are perfectly ok except for time restrictions. I have discussed with the Case Officer to express concerns. Unfair and unnecessary, as the building is now 170m from nearest houses
• Noisiest operation will be crusher and taking into account the sound proofing of the barn; will be no louder than 50 decibels

The Development Manager added that with regards to the condition. They were applied as a result of previous noise details submitted that were not up to standard with Environmental Health. No further noise details have been submitted.

Mr Manning requested that now the location has moved, can this condition be removed.

The Development Manager stated that it is for the avoidance of doubt because we do not have any sound proof noise mitigation. When it was in the previous location the noise was not acceptable and from that it was suggested a condition would satisfy without further information being submitted.

A Cllr questioned whether the cider produced will be bottled locally, as the barn is for storage and processing.

Mr Manning stated there are several nearby places where it can be done. If added as a condition, he was sure the Applicants would be keen to agree.

A Cllr queried if a noise assessment was provided, could the condition be removed.

The Development Manager stated there is nothing stopping an application for a variation of condition or the removal of, and nothing stopping members removing the condition and/or adding a new condition requesting further information to be submitted.

A Cllr asked the Agent whether the applicants would consider that.

Mr Manning stated the applicants are under severe pressure to obtain planning permission as they have applied for funding. So was confident would be willing.

A Cllr asked whether there is water  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL41.2

To consider any other items that the Chair considers urgent

None