Agenda item

Erection of 8 x kennels, an office/dog grooming salon and 8ft safety fencing. (resubmission of 1/0296/2022/FUL) - West Villa, Chilsworthy, Holsworthy

The following Councillors had attended the virtual site visit listed below:

Councillors: M Brown, D Bushby, P Pennington, C Leather and R Boughton

The recording was forwarded to Councillor P Christie who did not attend the virtual site visit.

Application No.1/0801/2022/FUL - Erection of 8 x kennels, an office/dog grooming salon and 8ft safety fencing. (resubmission of 1/0296/2022/FUL) - West Villa, Chilsworthy, Holsworthy

Interests:   None

Officer recommendation:    Grant

The planning application had been called into Plans Committee by the Ward Member, Councillor Hepple, if the Planning Officer is minded to recommend that the application be approved.  The reasons for the call-in are:

·         The proposed development is contrary to NPPF Section 11 “Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment”.

·         If consented, then noise from this proposed development would give rise to significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life currently enjoyed by occupants of residential properties nearby.

·         Nearby property owners in Chilsworthy currently enjoy a tranquil rural village environment which has remained relatively undisturbed by noise, and which is prized for the recreational and amenity value it affords.

·         Commercial dog kennels should be situated in appropriately remote rural locations where the impact of noise from dogs barking and whining on residential occupants of dwellings nearby can be proved beyond doubt to be minimal.   A rural village is not where commercial dog kennels should be located.

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report and advised Members of the main planning considerations.   Members were informed that the plan presented did not show the two recently constructed neighbouring dwellings.  This was due to OS data not having been updated.

During the discussion the following issues/concerns were raised:

·         The report did not specify it was a boarding business.   The Principal Planning Officer confirmed it was a boarding kennels facility.

·         Noise issues – The Environmental Protection Officer is satisfied that the measures set out in the Noise Management Plan prepared by Acoustic Consultants will be sufficient to address the concerns of the closest residents.

·         Flood Zone 1 – this is low risk.

The Ward Member when addressing the Committee, considered the site to be outside the countryside location because of the built form coming towards the site, and therefore did not accord with the Policies stated in the report.  The Principal Planning Officer clarified the planning position and advised that the site is in the open countryside and outside of the development boundary.   The proposed development therefore did need to be considered against this Policy.

The Environmental Protection Officer addressed concerns raised and gave relevant advice.

Advice was given by the Planning Manager.

The Principal Planning Officer agreed to amend Condition 9 to state, “a single dog or two dogs from the same family”.

It was proposed by Councillor Leather, seconded by Councillor Craigie that the application be approved.

A recorded vote was taken.

(Vote: For 7, Abstentions 1)

RESOLVED:

That the application be Granted subject to the conditions as set out in the report and an amendment to Condition 9 as stated above.

Mr R Hore, on behalf of Holsworthy Hamlets Parish Council, addressed the Committee objecting to the application

Mr R Ainsle addressed the Committee objecting to the application

Mr B Harris, Applicant, addressed the meeting in support of the application

Councillor Hepple, Ward Member, addressed the Committee