2. Declarations of Interest:
Cllr Ledbury in relation to the Udley Farm Cottages application.
3. Public Participation
There were no members of the public present.
4. Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 8th September were reviewed and signed as a correct record.
Matters arising:
Cinderford Cottage: Cllr Yamanaka informed members that although the application had been recommended for approval by planning officers, at the South Area Committee on 16th September it was decided to hold a further site meeting before a decision is made.
5. NSC South Area Planning Committee
The papers for the South Area Committee meeting on 16th September were reviewed and items relating to Wrington Parish were noted.
6. Decisions Notices issued by NSC
09/P/1159/F – Box Bush Farm, Lye Cross Road, Redhill: erection of agricultural building for implement storage – approved.
08/P/1197/F and 08/P/1198/F – The Plough Inn, High Street, Wrington: erection of rear extension, following demolition of rear canvas covered structure and timber covered rear extension, and internal alterations – approved. The decision notice included an advice note in relation to the tree on the village green growing over the access route to the site, and stated that agreement would be required if pruning is needed. It was noted that the tree was incorrectly identified as a Tree of Heaven, whereas in fact it is a Black Walnut.
7. Planning Applications
09/P/1484/F – Highcroft, Winters Lane, Redhill: alterations and extensions including two storey extensions and changes to the roof to create additional annexed living accommodation for dependent relatives following the demolition of outbuildings.
It was agreed to question the potential over-development in the Green Belt, and comment that the property has been extended several times in the past. It was also agreed to query whether planning permission was sought for the menage, as this would increase the size of the development.
09/P/1519/F and 09/P/1521/F – Woodman’s Cottage, Simshill Wood, West Hay Road, Wrington: Removal of Condition 1 on planning permission 99/1144 to allow for removal of forestry tie; change of use from agricultural to residential curtilage of forestry worker’s dwelling and erection of extensions to north-east and south-east elevations (part retrospective).
Removal of the agricultural tie: members commented that this was previously an agricultural building which would not have been given permission to be converted to a dwelling without the agricultural tie.
Change of use: it was agreed that this would have an impact on the local landscape, which is a designated wildlife site and is in the Green Belt.
It was agreed to object to the proposed change of use to residential curtilage due to the effect on wildlife, and also to object to the proposed extensions because of the Green Belt location.
09/P/1525/F – Udley Farm, West Hay Road, Wrington: change of use from agricultural building to offices with hard surfacing for associated car parking (9 spaces).
It was noted that permission had already been given previously in January 2008 (08/P/0032/F) for this building to be converted to two self-catering holiday units, but the conversion had never taken place. It now appeared that the owner believed office accommodation would be more marketable than holiday units. Members discussed the merits of the two types of use: on the one hand, office use could potentially bring employment opportunities and additional business to village amenities; on the other hand, the additional car parking could be intrusive in a rural location, and there were already a number of business premises available for let in the area.
Although it was felt that members did not wish to object to the proposal in principle, it was agreed to raise the following points: the apparent availability of vacant office accommodation in the area of Wrington; the potential need for a travel plan in relation to the development; and the effect of the number of proposed parking spaces, some of which may be on currently grassed land. Reference to relevant sections the Replacement Local Plan will be made on these points.
Discussion of this application led to a further debate about the issue of holiday lets being used for long-term rental. There were differing views about this: some members felt that it was better for buildings to be used rather than lying empty, whilst others believed that the letter of the planning permission should be adhered to. It was finally agreed that any instances where the planning permission was being breached should be brought to the attention of North Somerset Council.
8. Other Planning Issues
Gatcombe Farm appeal: the Clerk explained that she had received further telephone calls from Mr Edward Drew, who was acting for the appellant, pressing the Parish Council to state specific projects that they would wish to see included in any permission given by the Inspector for the development to be built. This would include the cost of any such projects. Advice had been sought from the planning officer at NSC, who had advised that the Parish Council might ask for contributions towards any ‘reasonably related’ project. This could include facilities which would be for the benefit of the community as a whole. On the basis of this, it was agreed to ask for contributions to the following projects to be considered:
- replacement of play equipment at the Recreation Field - £30,000
- refurbishment of Memorial Hall kitchen - £30,000
- replacement of street lights with low energy lights - £100,000
BIA Noise Action Plan: it was agreed to defer discussion of this until the next meeting.
Cllr Yamanaka reported on a briefing she had attended about the proposed Ashton Park development. North Somerset Council is hoping that the developers will agree to a lengthy consultation period, in anticipation of a possible change of government. Cllr Bigg said she understood that approval of the Regional Spatial Strategy may be deferred until 2010.
New pedestrian entrance for Wrington School: Cllr Yamanaka said she believed that finance may be available to carry out this work after all, and she hoped the work would be done in the new year.
The meeting was closed at 7.10 pm.
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