Agenda item

Proposed development of holiday accommodation with associated infrastructure, landscaping and ancillary operations including use of existing farm buildings for related on-site fabrication, maintenance and storage, and continuation of existing bakery school

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding an application for the proposed development of holiday accommodation with associated infrastructure, landscaping and ancillary operations including use of existing farm buildings for related on-site fabrication, maintenance and storage, and continuation of existing bakery school at High Farm, 296 Toft Hill Lane, Toft hill, Bishop Auckland (for copy see file of Minutes).

L Eden, Senior Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation of the application which included a site location plan, aerial photograph, views across the development site, proposed layout, details of the reception and amenity blocks and examples of the camping buildings to be used.

Councillor H Smith, local Member, was unable to attend the meeting but requested that the following statement in support of the application be read to Committee:

‘I support this application for erection of tents, camping pods and camping pitches as part of farm diversification at High Farm in Toft Hill.

The design of the holiday accommodation looks to be of high quality and will enhance the offer to visitors to the area.  The landscaping and wildlife area proposed will also be beneficial to the local environment.

There has not been a single objection submitted to the DCC planning website, and I have received no communications from local residents with any concerns about the proposed development.  I hope that it will be approved.’

Councillor Nicholson informed the Committee that he considered this to be an excellent application which would attract visitors from the A68.  Councillor Kay agreed that this was an excellent application adding that there was a paucity of quality accommodation in the area and that this accommodation may be used by visitors to Kynren in the summer.

Councillor Shield, while welcoming the application, questioned whether there was anything in the proposed permission to prevent permanent residency within any of the proposed units.  The Senior Planning Officer replied that the proposed Condition 3 was the standard type of Condition to prevent permanent residency and the Planning and Development Solicitor confirmed that this Condition was legally enforceable should it be needed.

Councillor Wilkes informed the Committee that he considered this to be an excellent proposal which had attracted no objection from 30 households in the area.

Councillor Richardson referred to land surrounding the holiday accommodation and asked whether access arrangements had been agreed for tenant farmers.

J Lavender, agent for the applicant, confirmed that prior to submission of the application arrangements had been made with tenant farmers to allow access to their land by separate and alternative accesses.

Moved by Councillor Nicholson, Seconded by Councillor Laing and

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the Conditions contained in the report.