Decision details

Members had visited the site on the previous day.

The officer acknowledged the need for an agricultural worker’s dwelling on the farm but stated it would be more appropriately situated within the existing farm building complex. An ecological survey was required to assess the presence of any newt and bat habitats and their potential disturbance by any development work. However, such a survey could not be undertaken until the period between March and September 2016.

The following spoke under the Authority’s Public Participation Scheme:

·         Cllr Mrs G Heath, County Councillor and Supporter

The officer stated that the requirements for ecological surveys had changed since the camping barn was approved in 1997. He confirmed that the building and the curtilage would be enlarged under the current proposals.

A motion to defer pending a further site visit within the month was moved. The officer advised the meeting that a deferral would give the applicant the right to appeal against non-determination and there would still be the need for an ecological survey. The motion was seconded on the basis that Members wanted to assess the viability of other barns on the farm.

The officer said that he would contact the agent to arrange a site visit.

The motion was voted upon and carried.

RESOLVED:

That the item be DEFERRED pending a site visit to assess the viability of alternative ways to meet the identified need for an agricultural worker’s dwelling.