Upgrade and extend the existing site to provide 12 plots, each with an amenity building for gypsies and travellers, construct a new access road within the site & childrens play area.
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Dafydd Meurig
Minutes:
Upgrade and extend the
existing site to provide 12 pitches, each with an amenity building for gypsies
and travellers, construct a new access road within the site and create a
children's play area.
(a) The Senior
Development Control Manager elaborated on the background of the application,
noting that historically all the site was used however currently only five
pitches were used at the top section of the site.
It
was reported that background work for the preparation of the Joint Local Development
Plan (Topic Paper 18) recognised that there was a need for ten additional
permanent pitches to the current provision in Gwynedd. The current site in Llandygai was full and there
was a reserve list to secure a pitch. It was considered that there was an evident need
for additional pitches. It was noted that there
was a statutory requirement
for every Local Authority in Wales to identify the needs of gypsies and travellers in their areas
and provide appropriately. It was noted that the proposal would ensure that the site would provide
facilities in accordance with Welsh Government legislation and guidance.
Attention
was drawn to the additional observations
received from the Joint Planning Policy Unit which noted that they
agreed with the proposal to approve with conditions and their assessment
of the submitted Language and Community Statement.
(b) The following main points were made by the local member (not a member of
this Planning Committee):-
·
The proposal
to upgrade the site was to
be welcomed;
·
That the amenity
buildings would be more fit
for purpose;
·
The need
had been proven and there would
be no more impact than there was currently;
·
That he
was content with the recommendation to approve with conditions.
(c) It
was proposed and seconded to approve the application.
During the ensuing
discussion, the following main observations were noted:
·
There was a real need to upgrade the site;
·
Had observations been received from the Gipsy
Society?
·
A fatal accident had occurred near the entrance,
therefore it had to be ensured that the entrance was cleared and made safe.
·
There was a local need for the provision;
·
The proposal was welcomed, however, the site's name
had to be re-considered;
·
There had been many difficulties historically on
the site and therefore it was very important to speak with the residents and
the Gipsy Council. Had Maesgeirchen residents been consulted?
·
Safeguarding minorities was a good thing;
·
Was there a protocol for the Committee to follow
when determining an application submitted by the Council?
·
That pushing the site to the back of the industrial
estate did not do justice to us as a Council and was uncivilised. A better
location should have been sought;
·
Could something be done to improve the look of the
site with soft landscaping?
In response to the above observations, the officers noted:-
·
The Gipsy
Society had not been consulted,
consultation had been in accordance with
the statutory requirements.
A notice was posted on site and
the Council had spoken to
the residents;
·
That a note
could be attached to the permission of the need to clear and keep
vegetation down at the access;
·
The application
had not been advertised specifically in Maesgeirchen, it had been decided
to advertise in the press as strong
feelings could arise;
·
Historically, there
was a protocol for the Planning
Committee to deal with an application
submitted by the Council however this was not implemented now;
·
It was proposed to erect a new boundary
wall and there was a landscaping scheme to improve the appearance of the site.
(ch) The members voted on the proposal
to approve the application and it carried.
Councillor Simon Glyn noted his wish for it
to be recorded that he had voted against
the proposal.
RESOLVED to approve the
application.
Conditions:
1. Time
2. Compliance with
plans
3. Slate roof for
the buildings
4. Welsh Water Condition.
5. A desktop investigation must be submitted and agreed
to assess the pollution risk. If the desktop
investigation indicated that further action was needed, any precautionary
and/or remedial
measures would have to be agreed prior to commencing work on the development.
6. Development must be completed in accordance with
the recommendations of the Phase
1 Environmental Assessment report.
7. Agree on soft and hard
landscaping finishes
Notes
Welsh Water
Natural Resources Wales
Highways
Fire Officer
Need to clear and keep vegetation down at the access
Supporting documents: