Agenda item

Change of use from agricultural land to allotment gardens including associated sheds, new vehicular access, car parking, composting toilet and community equipment store (Wheldrake Parish Council)

Members considered a major full application, submitted by Chris Thackray, for the change of use from agricultural land to allotment gardens including associated sheds, new vehicular access, car parking, a composting toilet and a community equipment store.

Officers updated that seven further letters of objection had been received, with comments regarding the lack of time to comment on amendments to the scheme, bonfires on site, height of the border, pedestrian access on Church Lane, and a requested condition stating no livestock. These letters of objection were distributed for Members information.

Officers updated that if Members were minded to approve the application they would recommend an additional condition stating that an allotment management plan be produced to address environmental concerns, including a tenancy agreement. 

Officers informed Members that if they were minded to approve the application, delegated authority would have to be given to Officers to do this as the consultation period was due to end on 3 October.

Representations were received in objection to the application from a speaker representing local residents. He distributed a petition with 23 signatures supporting his comments. He stated that no consultation had taken place, that there was no justification for the allotments in a village with a population of 1900, and that the development was disproportionate to the size of the village. He also commented on the inadequate screening, parking and speeding problems.

Representations were received in support of the application from the applicant. He stated that parking places had been allocated, that there would be no increase in traffic and the gates would be locked at night. The City of York Council allotment officer had been involved in the application and consultation with City of York Council had taken place regarding the vermin problem. Poultry would be confined to certain plots, and the applicant had consulted with neighbours.

Members discussed the issues of livestock on the allotments, hedge height, the burning of rubbish, tenancy agreement, landscaping, and the time of locking of the gates. They also discussed the availability of a community leisure facility, and the requirement for a management plan.

RESOLVED :That the application be delegated to officers to approve, subject to the conditions outlined in the report, and the following additional condition:  

Prior to the first occupation of any allotment garden, there shall be submitted by the applicants for approval by the Local Planning Authority an allotment management plan that will seek to address all environmental concerns and in particular shall include a compulsory tenancy agreement. That plan and tenancy agreement shall remain operative at all times unless and until either varied by the Local Planning Authority or the use of the site for allotment purposes either wholly or in part to that extent shall cease.

Reason: In the interests of visual and residential amenity

REASON :                 The proposal, subject to the conditions in the report and above, would not cause undue harm  to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to highway safety and residential amenity. Furthermore the development is considered to be compatible with its green belt location. As such the proposal complies with Policy E8  of  the North Yorkshire County Structure Plan (Alteration No.3 Adopted 1995) and Policies GB1 and GP1 of the City of York Local Plan Deposit Draft.