Agenda item

Erection of 2no. single storey buildings, retention of 20no. caravan bays, associated access and bund to rear. [Wheldrake] [Site Visit]

45.            Home Lea, Elvington Lane, Elvington, York. YO41 4AX (12/02755/FUL)

Consideration was given to a full application by Mr S Thomas for the erection of 2 single storey buildings, the retention of 20 caravan bays and associated access and a bund to the rear.

Officers updated that an email had been received from the applicants agent which raised concerns about the committee report, in particular the use of the term ‘appropriateness’ in relation to the level of facilities proposed at the site. The email has been published online with the agenda for the meeting.

The applicants agent spoke in support of the application. He advised that prior to submission, advice had been sought from the Council’s planning department and that the application before members reflected work undertaken to minimise the impact on the green belt, including reducing the office size by a quarter, a reduction in facilities on the site and the use of reinforced “grasscrete” paving. He stated that the scheme would preserve the openness of the site and considered the proposal to be an appropriate use.

Ian Bailey spoke on behalf of Elvington Parish Council. He advised that he had met with the applicant and had discussed issues surrounding the length of stay by patrons of the site. He feared that it would become a permanent residential site, hence the amount of facilities requested.  He asked that if the application be approved, a condition that the site is only used for short stays be added if possible.

Members went on to question a number of points including:

·        The level of facilities at the site and if this is usual. The applicants agent confirmed that facilities vary across caravan sites and the standard of facilities offered was not a reason to refuse the application.

·        Impact on the Green Belt.

·        The issue of appropriate use for the site. Some Members felt that  a caravan site was a suitable use, providing the development was sympathetic to the Green belt.

A motion for approval was put forward and seconded. When put to the vote this was carried.

RESOLVED:                That the application be approved, subject to the following conditions:

                                      1.The development shall be begun not later than the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

                                      REASON:  To ensure compliance with Sections 91 to 93 and Section 56 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by section 51 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

                                      2.The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following plans and other submitted details:

                                      Drawing Refs ARK-439, and ARK-439-02RB dated 26^th October 2012.

                                      REASON: For the avoidance of doubt and to ensure that the development is carried out only as approved by the Local Planning Authority.

                                      3.Development shall not begin until details of foul and surface water drainage works have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, and carried out in accordance with these approved details.

                                      REASON:  So that the Local Planning Authority may be satisfied with these details for the proper drainage of the site.

                                      4.Notwithstanding any proposed materials specified on the approved drawings or in the application form submitted with the application, samples of the external materials to be used shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to commencement of the development. The development shall be carried out using the approved materials.

                                      REASON:  So as to achieve a visually cohesive appearance.

                                      5.No development shall take place until there has been submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority a detailed landscaping scheme which shall illustrate the number, species, height and position of trees and shrubs and other new planting. This scheme shall be implemented within a period of six months of the completion of the development. Any trees or plants within a period of 5 years from completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species, unless alternatives are agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

                                      REASON:  So that the Local Planning Authority may be satisfied with the variety and suitability and disposition of species within the site.

                                      6.Notwithstanding the application details hereby approved, full details of the proposed access road and caravan bays to include cross sections beyond the proposed site office/workshop building shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall thenceforth be undertaken in strict accordance with the details thereby approved.

                                      REASON:  To secure compliance with Policy GB1 of the York Development Control Local Plan and to protect the open character and visual amenity of the Green Belt.

REASON:                     In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposal, subject to the conditions listed above, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to impact upon the open character and purposes of designation of the York Green Belt. As such the proposal complies with Policy YH9 and Y1C of the Yorkshire and Humber Plan, policy GB1 of the City of York Development Control Local Plan and Central Government advice contained within paragraphs 79-92 of the National Planning Policy Framework.