Agenda item

To determine the application.

Gavin Taylor presented the report to members and drew their attention to the update report which had been circulated.

Members asked officers the following questions:

·         Councillor Marks stated that when reviewing the report it makes reference to ‘occupation’ and he asked whether officers could clarify whether there is the intention for the stable block to become living accommodation at any point in time as it appears to be a concern for some of the local residents? He questioned whether it is going to remain as agricultural and not have any form of occupation and then in time revert back to the Council on a technicality. Gavin Taylor stated that the application is for a stable and paddock land and there is no application for residential use. He explained that the application has to be assessed on the basis of what it is being applied for and no assumptions can be made and there is nothing to demonstrate that there is the intention of adding a dwelling on the site and, therefore, if any application came in for such or if it occurred unlawfully then officers would assess that on its merits at that time but currently the application is for the stable and paddock as described.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Imafidon stated that when he undertook a site visit, he was approached by members of the public who voiced their concerns with regards to traffic movements and other issues. He expressed the view that he does not think that the application will have an adverse impact with regards to traffic movements due to the fact that it is a stable block and there will not be large HGV vehicles visiting the site. Councillor Imafidon made the point that the largest horse box he is aware of which carries a single horse is a 7.5 tonne vehicle. He expressed the opinion that he does not see any issues with the proposal and the application will make use of land which is not currently being used. Councillor Imafidon added that the site and ditch are all overgrown and there is currently no maintenance of the land and, in his view, it is a good application.

·         Councillor Mrs French expressed the view that she is extremely pleased that the Middle Level Commissioners have responded to the application, and she welcomes their input going forwards with applications.

·         Councillor Hicks stated that he knows that the residents have concerns that in time the stable block could be converted to a dwelling but, in his opinion, he does not see how the stable block could be converted as it has one room for hay and one for a horse and he cannot see how anyone would want to live somewhere like that anyway. He made the point that if the applicant had wanted to develop houses on the land in the first place then he would have expected the applicant to submit an application for houses in the first place. Councillor Hicks stated that he will be supporting the proposal as it makes good use of land, and he does not foresee any increase in traffic.

·         Councillor Benney expressed the view that the installation of a culvert is going to cost a significant amount of money just for the purposes of a stable block and paddock. He made the point that he is sceptical that there will not be a future application submitted in the future, however, the application before the committee is for a stable block and there will not be excessive amounts of traffic movements for a horse and after reviewing the concerns of the neighbours, he cannot see any issue with the proposal, and he will support it.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Imafidon and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Marks declared that he is a member of the Internal Drainage Board)