Agenda item

Retrospective planning application for change of use of field towoodyard for log cutting and amendment to 3 sided cutting shed to incorporate amendments made on site, including bio mass unit at Orange Farm, Sykes Lane, Saxilby.

Retrospective planning application for change of use of field towoodyard for log cutting and amendment to 3 sided cutting shed to incorporate amendments made on site, including bio mass unit at Orange Farm, Sykes Lane, Saxilby.

The Development Management Officer informed the Committee of a number of additional representations received.  The Ward Member Councillor Brockway had submitted further representation and also Parish Councillor Patrick Nicholson, however it was noted that Mr Nicholson’s comments were his own opinion as opposed to the views of the Parish Council.  It was also noted that the pending enforcement action was on hold whilst the retrospective application was determined.

Mrs Colley, speaking on behalf of the applicant, addressed the Committee, stating that the application for Change of Use following complaints about noise, had been granted, however this did not include the biomass unit, as information had been given by the manufacturer stating that permission would not be required.   The unit provided employment for a number of people and whilst there had been some amounts of odour and smoke it did not constitute a statutory nuisance.  As many as 26 visits had been made by Environmental Health officers.  There had been no improper use and all records were available.  The applicant’s family lived closest to the boiler, and the nearest neighbour, closer than the complainant, had raised no issues.

Mr Andrew Argyle spoke in objection to the application and raised issues such as: the principle of development, which was not felt essential to the needs of forestry; the employment of six people for which he had seen no evidence; that the boiler added to a carbon footprint, not reduced it; the impact on residential amenity; and air pollution which was documented in complaints from neighbours, and will have an impact on the local riding school which may have to close.  Mr Argyle stated that the nuisance from the smoke and odour restricted the use of outdoor space, and even penetrated open bedroom windows.  Sore throats and stinging eyes were also experienced.

Councillor Brockway addressed the meeting as Ward Member, stating that there were serious concerns and had seen for herself the smoke which covered all the local area and impacted on residents, and was concerned that Environmental Health officers had not witnessed the evidence.  Biomass was detrimental to health due to chemical pollutants, which could be invisible, and such installations were often refused near to housing.  It was claimed that the applicant was not using the equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions as the outdoor storage of wood altered the burn of the fuel and caused more pollutants than a gas system.  There had been complaints from the equestrian centre which was used by clients with special needs, and was detrimental to the horses.  Fuel was brought in in by road and there were highways issues where there was no room for passing places as requested.  The planning conditions were being breached and causing distress to residents.  Cllr Brockway asked the Committee to consider a site visit prior to determining the application.

The Development Management Officer clarified that Highways Officers had requested the passing places, however it had not been considered a reasonable request.

Members briefly debated the views that had been heard from both sides and felt that it would be useful to undertake a site visit to assess the situation for themselves, in terms of residential amenity, location, noise and impact on the countryside.  It was therefore moved and seconded and on being voted upon it was AGREED that a SITE VISIT be undertaken at a time and date to be agreed.