Full application to erect a new services building to include stores, workshops, laundry room and offices as well as planting a new woodland on adjacent land.
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Gareth Thomas
Link
to relevant background documents
Minutes:
Full application to erect a new services building
to include stores, workshops, laundry room and offices as well as planting a
new woodland on adjacent land.
(a)
The Development Control Officer expanded on the
application’s background and noted that the site was within the boundary of the
Conservation Area and within an area designated as a Landscape Conservation
Area.
Attention was drawn to the additional observations
that had been received.
It was acknowledged that it was a substantially
sized building of an 'industrial' appearance within a sensitive area with
regard to designations and appearance. Nevertheless, it was believed that the
proposal would be an opportunity to neaten the site. It was noted that the
final exterior elevations were to be agreed by means of a formal condition. It
was not believed that the building due to its size, design and finish would
impact upon the features or character of the protected areas.
It was noted that the proposed development involves
felling some existing trees within the site, observations received from the
Biodiversity Unit stated that any felling should take place outside the bird
nesting season, and when the site was completed it should not be lit to any
extent that would affect an ancient woodland. It was suggested that relevant conditions
should be included to ensure that the above requirements were satisfied.
It was reported that discussions had been held
between the Biodiversity Unit's Senior Officer and the applicant to agree on
appropriate mitigation measures for the loss of trees on the site. It was noted
that the applicant had proposed to plant a woodland of indigenous species on
nearby land and further landscaping details would be provided in order to agree
upon other areas for tree planting.
The development was acceptable in terms of relevant
local and national policies for the reasons noted in the report.
(b)
Taking advantage of the right to speak,
an objector noted the following main points:-
·
That he had submitted photographs to the Planning
Service;
·
That he was the owner of quality self-catering
accommodation with the garden looking directly towards the biomass building;
·
That he did not object to the proposal in principle
but local and national policies also supported accommodation;
·
The need for the applicant to submit a detailed
tree planting plan;
·
The need to undertake a visual impact assessment.
(c) Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant’s
representative noted the following main points:-
·
That the development was key to the sustainability
of Portmeirion;
·
That the proposal would improve the resources;
·
Prepared to collaborate with the officers.
(ch) In response to the objector's observations,
the Planning Manager noted:
·
That the Service had received photographs from him
which showed the relationship between his property and the site. It was not
considered that the impact would be unacceptable.
·
That a Senior Officer from the Biodiversity Unit
had been holding discussions with the applicant and imposing a landscape
condition was recommended.
·
Of the opinion that a visual impact assessment was
not required as the site was relatively concealed within the Portmeirion site and it was not considered that a
substantial harmful visual impact would derive from the proposal.
(d) It was
proposed and seconded to approve the application.
During
the ensuing discussion, the following main observations were noted by members:
·
That the applicant was an important employer in the
area which employed local people;
·
That the resources were needed;
·
That the landscaping was strong already;
·
The need to consider the impact on the objector
when the landscaping would be discussed.
The Planning Manager
noted that the proposed landscaping/planting would exceed what was required to
screen the development.
RESOLVED to
approve the application.
Conditions:
1. Time
2. Compliance
with plans
3. Agree on finishes
4. Landscaping
5. Lighting Plan
6. Protect the public footpath
7. Welsh Water
8. Restrict use
9. Disposal of existing materials/equipment
10. No external storage of materials
11. Hours to be restricted
Supporting documents: