Erection of an agricultural shed.
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Brian Jones
Link
to relevant background documents
Minutes:
Erection of agricultural shed.
(a) The
Planning Manager elaborated on the background of the application, noting that
the objections received mainly referred to the site's existing use, the size
and location of the shed in relation to nearby property, and the impact of
transport generated by the user on the condition of the private road leading to
the site as well as the rear of the nearby terrace of houses.
It
was noted that the shed's design was simple and of the type expected for an
agricultural shed and that this type of building was a normal feature seen in a
rural area; therefore, it was not considered that the shed would stand out
prominently in the broader landscape. It
was acknowledged that the shed would be entirely visible from the rear of the
nearby houses and the gardens, but because the gable end of the shed would face
the houses, and because of the distance between them, the impact was not deemed
to be oppressive or substantially detrimental to the residential amenities.
It
was highlighted that the land's use as part of an agricultural unit existed
already. It was acknowledged that
agricultural activities were likely to generate impacts but this impact already
existed whether a shed existed on the site or not. It was reported that during
a site visit, it had been clear that the unit did not have a suitable place to
store machinery and equipment and this, in itself, created a negative visual
impact. It was considered that approving a suitable storage shed to be
constructed on the site would be a means of improving the site by keeping the
equipment inside the shed. It was not considered that the shed would increase
the impact on nearby residents as the shed would not lead to an increase in
agricultural use of the site. The shed responded to existing use and needs.
Concerns
raised by objectors about the housing of livestock in the shed were
acknowledged, but this proposal was for a shed to store equipment, machinery
and feed only.
Attention
was drawn to the additional observations that had been received.
It was noted that the development was suitable and
acceptable for the site and that it complied with the local and national
policies and guidelines noted in the report.
(a)
Taking advantage of the right to speak,
the applicant’s agent noted the following main points:-
·
That the applicant did not have a farmhouse or
ancillary buildings to store equipment. That this restricted the applicant's
ability to develop the farm;
·
That the applicant acknowledged the concerns of the
objectors but that the proposal would be an improvement as it would neaten the
site;
·
The applicant's intention to improve the access
track.
(c) It was
proposed and seconded to approve the application.
During
the ensuing discussion, the following main observations were noted by members:
·
Questioned the need to impose a condition to
prevent the storage of manure and slurry within the building considering that
storing these outside breached agricultural policies.
·
That it should be considered not to impose the
condition;
·
That a section of the track was in the applicant's
ownership with a section of it serving seven houses and that it was important
that it was looked after.
In response to the above
observations, the officers noted:
·
That it was recommended
to impose a condition to prevent the storage of manure and slurry within the
building in order to overcome local concerns. The application did not request
the storage of such materials and due to the proximity to the houses, it was
considered that it would not be suitable to store it on the site;
·
That the applicant could
apply to amend or remove the condition;
·
That any issue relating
to the access track was a private matter to be dealt with outside the planning
system.
RESOLVED to approve the application.
Conditions:
1. Time
2. In accordance with the plans
3. Materials / finishes
4. Agricultural storage use only.
5. No storing of manure or slurry within the
building.
6. Protect the water course.
Supporting documents: