Agenda item

Planning application for a proposed Agri-Robotics Research Facility to form part of the new Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology Centre - to accompany application reference 134780 at University of Lincoln, Riseholme Park, Riseholme, Lincoln.

Planning application for a proposed Agri-Robotics Research Facility toform part of the new Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology Centre-to accompany application reference 134780 at University Of Lincoln, Riseholme Park, Riseholme.

The Senior Town Planner introduced the report which had been deferred from the previous meeting in order for Members of the Committee to undertake a site visit.  Since that time the Riseholme Neighbourhood Plan had been made.  A typographical error was pointed out on page 9 of the papers, which stated 8 metres but which should say 8.7 metres height, as on page 3.

Ruth Andrews, speaking for Riseholme Parish Council, stated that it was hoped that following the site visit Members had a better understanding of the area.  Whilst there was an acknowledgement of the need for agriculture to advance there were concerns about the proposals.  It was feared that there would be an impact on the trees, which would be overshadowed by the building, and also fears of flooding, as ponds appeared on the paddock and road during heavy rainfall.  A felling licence had been applied for, but the trees helped to absorb surplus water and also give wind protection.  It was noted that a court case was pending regarding ownership of the land, and questioned whether it was appropriate to determine the application whilst this was ongoing.  This site was a unique Lincolnshire asset and it was requested that the protection of the trees be conditioned, should the application be granted.

Alex McCallion, Planning Agent for Lincoln University, spoke on the application, stating that the proposed building was to sit within the current yard, and ERDF funding had been granted, the deadline for which had been extended to accommodate the site visit.  No buildings were proposed to be removed, nor trees and hedges affected.  Educational uses of buildings were promoted in the CLLP (which was now at an advanced stage), and the NPPF was robust in its support for rural agricultural policies.  The building’s proposed use was for the storage of agri robots, which would help to reduce the use of chemicals on land, and had been featured recently on the BBC’s Countryfile programme.  The Institute was successful and had enormous potential but lacked facilities.  A meeting had been held with Riseholme Parish Council and a working group had been proposed.  Mr McCallion would be happy for this to be included in the Conditions and the Terms of Reference formalised.

Councillor Angela White spoke as Ward Member and stated that she had mixed feelings about the proposals.  The expertise at Lincoln University was acknowledged and there was worldwide future potential, but there were unresolved issues for residents, some of whom felt there had been a lack of communication.  Part of the residential proposals in a different application were not acceptable.

The Chairman reminded Members of the Committee that they were to determine the application on its own merits regardless of other pending applications.

The Senior Town Planner responded to points raised by the speakers, affirming that no trees were to be affected by the proposals, and photographs showed the shelter belt behind the existing buildings.  A sustainable drainage scheme was proposed and was set out in Condition 3.  The legal issues of ownership were not a material consideration in determination of the application.  All relevant policies had been assessed and the proposals were in accordance with the Riseholme Neighbourhood Plan.

It was clarified that the site had an established Use Class of Educational and any other proposals would require a Change of Use application.

Discussion ensued regarding the design and colour scheme and the visual impact of the existing and proposed buildings.  Whilst it was acknowledged that design was subjective, it was suggested that additional hedges or trees be planted, which would assist with screening and also be beneficial for biodiversity.

It was proposed that additional planting be provided particularly in the form of an extension to existing hedgerows.  The Principal Development Management Officer said that this could be delivered by requiring the submission of a landscape scheme by condition with a note to be attached to the decision notice to this effect.  It was noted that implementation of the approved proposals together with the need for replacement planting would also be required. This was seconded, and agreed.

The recommendation was moved, seconded and voted upon and it was AGREED that permission be granted with conditions as set out in the report with the addition of the landscaping conditions.