Issue - meetings

The Case Officer provided an update to the Committee, since writing the report Officers had received an email regarding contamination through a sheep dip on the site. Members could add a condition relating to this if they felt it was required. The proposed floor plans had received prior approval from the Planning Committee, and the new proposal was to add a double garage and remove the existing agricultural building.

Mr Michael Orridge, the agent and architect for the application, addressed the Committee and explained the proposed development would provide betterment to the site, energy efficiencies, biodiversity net gain and landscaping. The applicant would be willing to add a condition to landscaping and the new proposal would include solar panels and would aim to be carbon zero through using renewables. The agent was happy to add a condition in line with the concerns regarding the suspected contamination. He concluded that the Parish Council had no concerns with the site.

Mr Philip Smith, a resident at Abbey House, outlined his objections to the development and explained he became aware of the development through local paper. He felt that material planning considerations had not been taken into account and there was a need to balance the needs of nature and environment against the needs for development.

Members discussed the development and felt the report was well-written and explained the history of the site and present situation very clearly. It was felt that betterment would be delivered through the application and Members supported the aim to reduce carbon footprint.

It was proposed and seconded that a site visit take place to consider the location and appropriateness of the development. Upon the vote, the proposal for a site visit was lost

Having been proposed and seconded to vote on the application as per the Officer’s recommendations, on taking the vote, it was agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report.