Agenda item

Buckminster Lodge Equestrian Centre, Wymondham Road, Sewstern

Applicant: Mr D Phipps

Location: Buckminster Lodge Equestrian Centre, Wymondham Road, Sewstern

Proposal: The proposed alterations and conversion of former agricultural buildings.

 

(a)       The Development Manager presented the report and stated that:

This application is for full planning permission for the conversion of existing buildings on the site to associated ancillary space for the British Model Flying Association model flying visitor centre and model flying site. The existing buildings form part of a range of former agricultural / equestrian buildings forming a courtyard at the centre of the built form of the site.

The proposal would utilise the existing access which already serves the site and was upgraded as per the conditions attached to the 2016 approval, prior to the centre opening in 2017.

The principal of the use of the site as the BMFA’s model flying and visitor centre was established in the planning permission granted in 2016, and the highway authority raised no objection at that time. The highway authority has not objected to this application.

The application is recommended to be approved, subject to conditions as set out in the report.

 

(b)       Kate Bygott, on behalf of the Parish Council, was invited to speak and stated that:

•           No objection to conversion into accommodation

•           Increase in traffic

•           Intensity use of centre

•           50-100 persons will visit throughout year

•           Traffic issues intensify

 

(c)        Manny Williamson, the agent, was invited to speak and stated that:

•           Provides positive addition to area

•           Educational aspects

•           Benefits to local amenity

•           Provided employment

•           Minimum local impact on amenity

•           Limits noise

•           Bank holidays designated for silent flight

•           Traffic situation monitored

•           Impact on roads negligible

•           No detrimental effect on environment

•           Significant long term development of lodge

•           Strong links with the community

 

The Development Manager clarified that the Parish Council were consulted and the dates in system confirm this. No objection from Highways.

 

Cllr Botterill proposed to permit the application as it is a good use of buildings; it is not crowded and is an ideal location.

 

Cllr Posnett seconded the proposal to permit and stated that rural activities should be encouraged, young people can get involved, it has created employment, and has an educational aspect.

 

A Cllr stated that they supported the proposal as it is a good reuse of buildings.

 

A vote was taken and it was unanimously decided that the application should be permitted.

 

DETERMINATION: PERMIT, subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

 

For the following reasons:

The conversions are sympathetic, and retain the general overall appearance of converted stable blocks, and the conversions are not considered to have a negative impact upon the character and appearance of the open countryside.

 

Whilst there have been objections principally relating to traffic movements, the small scale development proposed in this application is unlikely to have a severe cumulative impact upon the safety of the highway. The principal of the use of the site as the BMFA’s model flying and visitor centre was established in the planning permission granted in 2016, and the highway authority raised no objection at that time. The highway authority has not objected to this application.

 

For these reasons stated above, the proposals are considered in accordance with local and national planning policy (NPPF) and no other material considerations indicate it should depart from these.