Agenda item

Erection of stables/storage building with hardstanding and retention of access

The Committee considered a report of the Principal Planning Officer regarding an application for the erection of stables/storage building with hardstanding and retention of access (for copy see file of Minutes).

A Inch, Principal Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation on the application which included photographs of the site. Members had visited the site that day and were familiar with the location and setting.

The Committee was advised of 2 additional conditions which would require the boundary hedgerows to the immediate north and south of the access to be cut back but not removed at least once a year, and for full details of site access improvements including radius kerbline and surfacing details to be submitted and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority within 2 months of the date of the permission.

Mr G Thompson, supporter and owner of the land addressed the Committee.  He began by disputing the accuracy of the objections received relating to the removal of the hedgerow and site access works. Hedgerow removal had been permitted and was carried out in accordance with The Hedgerows Act 1997. At least 200m of additional hedgerow would be planted by way of compensation for the sections that had been removed, together with 20-30 oak trees around the site. The location of the new site access had also been allowed.

In closing he stated that the proposals would not constitute over development. The site was not changing into an area of small industrial units. Mr and Mrs Hedley rented 2 paddocks providing approximately 7 acres for the movement of animals in order to allow the grass and land to recover.

Mr Hedley, supporter and tenant of the land stated that he spent much of his spare time with his children and the horses. It was important to him to have somewhere he could enjoy the countryside with his children while they were growing up.

In discussing the application Members were advised that the proposals to plant oak trees would be included in the soft landscaping scheme and the development would not commence until a detailed landscaping scheme had been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. There would be no further removal of existing hedgerow on either side of the site access.

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report and to the following additional conditions:-

• Notwithstanding the details shown in the approved plans, the proposed access site visibility splays onto the serving public highway must be maintained at all times. This should involve cutting back, but not removing the boundary hedgerows to the immediate north and south of the access at least once every year. The agreed sightline shall remain unobstructed at all times.

Reason: To ensure an acceptable standard of access in accordance with saved policy D3 (Design for access) of the Sedgefield Borough Local Plan

• Within 2 months of the date of this permission, full details of site access improvements to include radius kerbline and surfacing details shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved details shall be implemented within 2 months of their agreement.

Reason: To ensure an acceptable standard of access in accordance with Saved Policy D3 (Design for access) of the Sedgefield Borough Local Plan.