Agenda item

Members considered an application for the erection of 15 no. lodge style, static caravans, including landscaping, environmental improvements and the creation of a new marina, submitted by Mr David Smith and Mr Glyn Aucott.  The application also involved the use of the spoil from the excavation of the marina to raise the level of the site.

Officers updated the committee that a further letter had been received from York Marine Services outlining that the application formed part of a survival plan needed because of flooding on the site.  In addition, a letter from the Environment Agency was reported to the committee, which indicated that their original objection was withdrawn subject to a range of conditions on any approval.  Further, Officers advised that should Members refuse the application, policy V5 be added to the reasons for refusal.

Mr Dale, a neighbour speaking in objection to the application, addressed the committee and raised concerns about the loss of open space for villagers to enjoy, the negative impact on rare and endangered species which currently had recovery time over the winter when the site was less well used. He also expressed concerns about the impact of raising the ground level of the site both in terms of forcing flood water elsewhere and also in terms of a detrimental visual intrusion by raising the static caravans.

Mr Smith, the Managing Director of York Marine Services Ltd addressed the committee and explained that the application was a result of huge flood impact on the site and argued that the development should be considered as a special case for development in the green belt. 

Mr Mellors, addressed the committee on behalf of the Bishopthorpe Parish Council and emphasized that although improvements were needed on the site he urged the committee to consider the impact on the green belt and on the conservation area.  He expressed the view that more detail of the development was needed at this stage, he raised concerns about the style of chalets being out of place with other housing in the area and also concerns about waste disposal.  He expressed the view that survival of a business was not a planning consideration.

Members established from the applicant that a site investigation would be carried out with an analysis of excavation works to ensure that the spoil would be suitable to raise the ground level on the site.  Members discussed the need for more detail on the technical considerations in relation to the application.  Members clarified the situation in relation to the footpath and ownership of the land and established that although the application would involve a diversion of the path there was no intention to reduce its use.  Members queried the intended depth of the marina and also discussed the impact of the chalets and the marina in the greenbelt and in a conservation area.