Issue details

Full Application - Change of use of existing agricultural building to a mixed use for general agriculture and timber processing, including formation of a timber drying kiln, installation of biomass powered heaters and flues, and building refurbishmen

RECOMMENDATION:

 

            That the application be REFUSED for the following reasons -

 

1.         The evidence submitted with the application and from the planning history demonstrates that the proposed timber processing use is of a scale and nature which constitutes the primary business on site and which is not compatible with its setting. It would therefore not be small scale business development representing acceptable farm diversification supporting a primary agricultural business on the site. The proposal therefore is a general industrial use and associated external storage, which does not require a rural location, has no connection to the land, and is located in an unsustainable location in open countryside. The proposal is therefore unacceptable in principle and contrary to Core Strategy policies DS1, E2 and Development Management Policies DME2 and the NPPF.

 

2.         The proposed use would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the National Parks landscape. The proposal is therefore contrary to Core Strategy policies GSP1, GSP2, GSP3, L1 and Development Management Policies DM1, DMC1, DMC3, DME2 and the NPPF and National Park Purposes.

 

3.         As the business rents the building and land it cannot meet the requirements of Core Strategy policy E2 B which requires that the primary business must retain ownership and control of the site and building, to ensure that income will be returned to appropriate management of the landscape.

 

4.         The proposal is considered to be harmful to the amenity the neighbouring residential property ‘Heath Farm’ by virtue of disturbance from use of and access of the site and the application has not demonstrated whether there would be noise or odour issues associated with the proposed business which may affect this and other neighbouring residential properties. The proposal is therefore contrary to the policies of the development plan insofar as they relate to amenity including Core Strategy Policy GSP3 and Development Management policy DMC3.

 

Decision type: Key

Decision status: APPROVED with S106 Agreement (In accordance with officer Recommendation)

Notice of proposed decision first published: 04/06/2020

Documents

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Representations Received