Agenda item

Retrospective permission for the erection of a new agricultural building for storage, on land opposite 5-44 Bowshaw, Dronfield

(Planning Manager – Development Management)

The report to Committee explained that an Application had been submitted for retrospective planning permission to erect a new agricultural building for storage at land opposite 5 to 44 Bowshaw, Dronfield. The Application had been referred to the Committee by Councillor P Wright, who had raised concerns about it.

Planning Committee was recommended to approve the Application. The report to Committee explained the reasons for this. Officers had concluded that the building, in association with agriculture, was an acceptable land use in the Green Belt and countryside areas. The scale, design and siting of what had been constructed was in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside. The development had not had an adverse impact on nearby residents. It accorded with the relevant policies in the Development Plan and there were no other factors to outweigh that conclusion.

Members were informed that no one had registered to speak on the Application.

Committee considered the Application. It took into account its location outside of the Settlement Development Limits for Dronfield, within the Green Belt and an area of Primary Environmental Sensitivity. It considered Local Plan Policy SS1, which supports sustainable development which protects and enhances the character, quality and diversity of the District’s local landscapes and the wider countryside. Committee also took into account Local Plan Policy SS10, which allows appropriate development within the Green Belt, such as agricultural building and Local Plan Policy SDC3 on protecting the landscape and the relevant policies of the Dronfield Neighbourhood Plan.

Members discussed the Application.  They reflected on what impact it might have on the landscape. Some Members felt that appropriate vegetation screening should be put in place. Some Members asked and received assurance that no external on the lighting on the structure would be permitted. It was also reiterated that, if approved, the building could only be used for agricultural purposes and not for other activities.

At the conclusion of the discussion Councillor W Armitage and P Elliot moved and seconded a motion that the Application be approved. The motion was put to the vote and was agreed

RESOLVED -

(1)  That the Application be conditionally approved, in line with officer recommendations.

(1)  That the final wording of the conditions be delegated to the Planning Manager (Development Management).

Conditions

 1     The building hereby approved shall be used solely for agriculture and for no other use or purpose.

 2     Within 56 days of the date of this permission, the following shall be submitted to and be approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority:

        a)         a scheme of landscaping, which shall include indications of all existing trees and hedgerows on the land,

        b)         the details of any trees and hedgerows to be retained, together with measures for their protection during development and their ongoing maintainance,

        c)         a schedule of proposed plant species, size and density and planting locations and

        d)         an implementation programme, including a timetable for delivery.

 3     All planting, seeding or turfing in the approved scheme of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding season following the approval of the scheme. Any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the date of approval of this permission die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species.

4      No external lighting shall be installed on/placed/or affixed to the building or placed on the site and the building shall not be artificially illuminated in any way.

Reasons for Conditions

1       For clarity, the avoidance of doubt, as the application was made in this form and as other uses would be inappropriate in the Green Belt.

2       In the interest of the appearance of the area, to soften the building and ensure the retention of the roadside hedgerow.

3       To ensure implementation of the landscaping scheme in the interest of the appearance of the area.

4       As the site lies in a countryside location where lighting would adversely affect the amenity of the area.