Agenda item

Demolition of the existing barn and erection of a new mixed-use visitor centre (Classes E, F1 and sui generis) with associated access, parking, landscaping and drainage.

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding the demolition of the existing barn and erection of a new mixed-use visitor centre (Classes E, F1 and sui generis) with associated access, parking, landscaping and drainage (for copy see file of minutes).

S Henderson, Senior Planning Officer provided a detailed presentation of the application which included a site location plan, aerial photographs, photographs of the site and proposed layout and elevations.

Councillor Oliver, Local Member for the Lanchester division addressed the Committee in support of the application. He expressed his enthusiasm with the application and was impressed with the engagement work of the North East Autism Society (NEAS) and had found the team to be inspiring. He advised that he had visited the site and, in his opinion, the application could manage with regards to the CDP and planning policies. He explained that NEAS opened in 2010 and was well shielded, it employed 51 people and supported 53 autistic and neurodivergent adults. He emphasised the work that NEAS did was invaluable, and the application was an opportunity to expand on this and stressed that the public benefit was greatly beneficial. He considered the application to be unique and whilst highway access had been raised as a concern, he felt this could be appropriately managed. Councillor Oliver believed the application was extremely positive and requested it to be approved.

J Phillipson from the North East Autism Society addressed the Committee. He thanked colleagues at DCC Planning Department for their collaboration, Members of the Committee for the opportunity speak and thanked the elected MP’s Kevan Jones and Richard Holden for their continued support of the proposal.

The charity had been delivering services at New Warlands Farm since 2010 and provided support and vocational training to 53 autistic people who also had learning disabilities. The farm and training centre employed 51 trained staff to provide structure, specialist personal support to each service user. With out this support many of the service users would not be able to cope and could lead to dysregulation resulting in hospitalisation or residential care.

In 2016, NEAS launched Employment Futures and the team supported 320 people towards employment each year. Whilst a significant number of the people trained gained full time employment, embarked on further training or commenced voluntary work, many needed more time to overcome long term challenges, learn the social skills required and gain confidence.

The proposed development would allow NEAS to deliver enhanced training, taking advantage of the farm environment. The development was only possible because of the training centre next door and the staff associated with this. The close availability of this staffing support as well as the administrative team would help to ensure a safe learning and development environment for service users. In addition to the existing staff team, the development would create 24 additional FTE job, providing work opportunities to local people who could be trained and require no professional qualifications. The shop and café would also stock locally produced goods and suppliers.

As part of this project, NEAS would work to re-wild the farm land creating a wildlife haven, managed for visitors. NEAS were committed to demonstrating that they could reduce their carbon footprint through using sustainable energy sources and their approach to ecology and conservation was to be an attraction for small school visits.

In summary, Mr Phillipson stated that this project created training opportunities for autistic people, created work for local people who required no prior qualifications or experience, worked to promote wildlife and diversity through managed re-wilding, demonstrated sustainable energy sources and electric vehicle charging, was accessible by walking; cycling or nearby public transport, drew visitors into the area in line with DCC tourism policies, and created a safe place for families of autistic; neurodiverse or disabled people to enjoy a day out.

Councillor Marshall commended the great representations. He stressed that NEAS was a charity of regional importance and provided valuable support to vulnerable people giving them the prospect of independence and access to a paid job, which for some had been merely a dream due to barriers faced in society. He emphasised the importance of supporting rural organisations and noted the great sustainable features including the apple orchard. He believed that the application could only be delivered on the proposed site. He considered the proposal to be very special and unique and stated that the impact to neighbourly town centres would be minimal. Councillor Marshall emphasised the benefits of the application and its ability to create jobs and improve the environment and urged members to approve it and help the dreams of service users to come true.

Councillor Marshall left the Chamber. 

Councillor Blakey welcomed the proposal and stated that all communities would benefit. She did not believe the proposed shop would impact on neighbouring town centres and confirmed that she fully supported the application. Councillor Blakey moved the application for approval.  

Councillor Brown believed the application was excellent and would have no impact in terms of Policy 9 of the CDP. She seconded the application for approval.

The Principal Planning Officer agreed that NEAS was a fantastic charity and did a lot of great work but stressed that officers had to consider the application against the CDP and apply the relevant tests.

Councillor Watson confirmed he fully supported the application and noted it was unique and a great facility.

Councillor Earley agreed with the benefits of the application but expressed concern regarding increased traffic that could be generated in future. 

Councillor Jopling felt the positives of the application outweighed the negatives and therefore supported the application. 

Resolved

That the application be approved subject to outstanding planning conditions delegated to officers.

Councillor Wilson left the meeting.