Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notices of substitutions from Members.

Apologies were received from Councillors P Elliot, D Hancock and M Jones.

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the Minutes of Planning Committee held on 22 February 2022.     

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 February 2022 were approved as a true record.

Proposed extension to the Peak Edge Hotel, Darley Road, Ashover, to include 29 additional bedrooms, a spa suite, small pool and treatment rooms, and associated alterations to the adjacent landscape including creation of a new biodiversity area with pond, bunds and planting (Major Development) (Amended Plans).  

(Planning Manager – Development Management)

The report to Committee explained that an Application had been submitted for an extension to the Peak Edge Hotel, Darley Road, in Ashover. The extension would allow for 29 additional rooms. It would also involve various alterations to the adjacent landscape, with the creation of a new biodiversity area. The Application was classed as a major development and the original plans had been amended. The Application had been referred to Committee at the request of Councillor M E Thacker, who had raised concerns about it.

Committee was recommended to approve the Application, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The report to Committee explained why Members were asked to approve the recommendations. Officers felt that the proposed development would be in line with both national and local planning policies. These policies support, in principle, developments that enable established businesses in the countryside to expand.

Committee also heard that the Applicant would not seek to implement fully the existing planning permission to build 20 holiday lodges on the site if the proposed extension was agreed, Officers felt that these lodges would have a greater impact on the site and surrounding area than the proposed extension. They had concluded, therefore, that approving the current Application would ensure the better outcome.

Before Members discussed the Application, those registered to speak were asked to address the Committee. The Applicant S Perez and the Agent, C Stainton, spoke in support of the Application. No one had registered to speak against it.

Committee considered the Application. It took into account the Principle of Development and in particular, Local Policy SS1, covering sustainable development in support of the local economy and Local Policy SS9, covering development in the countryside. Committee also took into account Policy SDX3, requiring that new developments should not to cause significant harm to the landscape. Committee considered the size and design of the proposed extension and its location on the site. It took into account the impact on adjacent residential properties, neighbouring land uses and the heritage implications for the nearby Scheduled Monument.

Members discussed the Application. They considered the impact of the proposed development on the site. They reflected on the possible impact if the existing planning permissions to construct holiday lodges on the site was implemented. They considered the implications for the amenity of neighbouring properties and the ways in which these would mitigated. They discussed what impact the further development might have on the highways network and reflected on the incremental growth of the hotel business on the site over time.

At the conclusion of the discussion Councillor D Ruff and W Armitage moved and seconded a motion to conditionally approve the Application, in line with officer recommendations. The motion was put to the vote and approved.

RESOLVED

(1)   That planning permission is conditionally approved, in accordance with officer recommendations and subject to the prior agreement to a Unilateral Undertaking Agreement (in respect of the lodge development, as specified in the report.

(2)   The final wording of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item PLA/82/21-22

(Planning Manager – Development Management)

The report to Committee informed Members that 3 appeals had been lodged. None been withdrawn or dismissed.

To consider any other matter which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

None.