Agenda item

Part retrospective application for all weather turnout (Variation of Condition 7 of planning permission 1/0838/2023/FUL) (Amendment to Wording) - Land At Grid Reference 244858 129911, Northam, Devon.

The following Councillors had attended the virtual site visit:

Councillors:  R Lock, P Hames, D Bushby, C Wheatley, C Leather, K Hepple and W Lo-Vel

The recording was forwarded to Councillors J Whittaker and D Smith as they were unable to attend the virtual site visit.

The recording of a previous site visit was forwarded to Councillor Hepple who had not been present at that meeting.

Application No.1/0394/2024/LA- Part retrospective application for all weather turnout (Variation of Condition 7 of planning permission 1/0838/2023/FUL) (Amendment to Wording) - Land At Grid Reference 244858 129911, Northam, Devon

Interests:   Councillors Hames, Leather, Whittaker and Lo-Vel declared personal interests – dual hatted – Northam Town Council

Officer recommendation:  Refuse

The planning application had been called into Plans Committee by Councillor Ford, Ward Member, for the following reason:

“I wish to call in if Officer is minded not to remove Condition 7 as set out.   I believe there has been undue time spent on this application and it seems to me mainly in a negative manner.”

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report and informed Members of the main planning considerations and the reasoning for the recommendation of refusal.

The Planning Manager addressed comments made by the speakers in relation to the conditions imposed on the original application.  She explained the approach taken generally when an application recommended for refusal is overturned at Committee. 

Councillor Hames expressed concerns he had with approving the application.  The main concern being the impact on the landscape, the environment, the SSSI and the Area of Natural Beauty etc. which at the previous meeting had been supported by the Conservation Officer.

During the discussion it became apparent that Members were supportive of the proposal.   Comments included:

·         Screening and bunding once in existence structures will not be visible

·         Imposition of Condition 7 was unrealistic

·         Temporary structures, nothing will be permanent

·         This is a successful local business and should be supported

·         Style of jumps acceptable

Planning advice was given by the Planning Manager and Principal Planning Officer.

The Planning Manager said it was important to emphasise that Condition 7 is a standard condition and not targeted to this application, it is because of the equestrian use and the harm that could be caused.  The suggested wording refers to buildings only – clarification on the definition of the amended wording was given. 

The Committee were informed of the implications should they approve the application.   The Planning Manager emphasised the need for Members to be mindful of the real importance of the landscaping.   Also, if minded to approve, it is really important that Officers consider, discharge, monitor and enforce the current condition to discharge landscaping details.

Members agreed the following reason to support the application:

“That landscaping will mitigate any harm to the landscape.”

It was proposed by Councillor Leather, seconded by Councillor Hepple that the application to vary Condition 7 to remove “jumps, mobile or temporary structures” from the wording be approved.    

A recorded vote was taken.

(Vote:  For 8, Against 1)

RESOLVED:

The application be Granted subject to the wording of the condition being delegated to Officers in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair.

Miss S Jobson-Scott, Applicant, addressed the Committee in support of the application

Mr L Andrews, Agent, addressed the Committee in support of the application

Councillor Ford, Ward Member, addressed the Committee