Issue - meetings

Erection of an agricultural building to house a straw burning biomass boiler to provide a renewable heating system for the approved poultry farm.

It was reported that this application had been referred to the Planning Committee at the request of Councillor Bush due to his concerns relating to: “the nature of the proposal being a substantial industrial process, rather than a typical agricultural facility; failure to satisfy Policy EN1 in that the design and size of the development would create an adverse visual impact on the surrounding countryside and rural landscape; highway access was unsuitable. If considered acceptable then conditions would be incorporated into the approval to ensure ongoing monitoring of emissions post construction and operation to ensure compliance. Also, to ensure that no associated vehicles carrying straw or other biomass burning materials were transported via Oakley Road, South of All Saints School.”

Members were informed that the proposal involved the installation of a biomass boiler and back up LPG boiler within a new building to beconstructed 10m north of the recently approved two poultry sheds (via application 20/00194/FUL). The host building was of a similar design to the poultry sheds having a typical agricultural building appearance; being of a steel frame construction covered by olive green profiled sheeting. Part of the building (18.6m x 13.3m) had a ridge 2m higher than the poultry sheds, two flues were also proposed that extended 2m beyond the ridge. However, the nearest public views were limited, being over 200m away with few footpaths in the local area providing views of the buildings.

The Committee was made aware that thesite was in a rural locality, between the settlements of Wix and Great Oakley, thoughwithin the parish of Wix. Although set within open countryside, the site was at a position which was not prominent in the landscape. The applicant had demonstrated the proposal would not unduly impact residential amenity, highway safety, drainage capabilities or local ecology. The proposal was in planning terms considered by Officersto be an agricultural use within an agricultural area, supported by the rural diversification policy of Paragraph 83 of the NPPF in particular.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Planning Manager(TF) in respect of the application.

Councillor Mike Bush, the local Ward Member, spoke against the application.

Ian Pick, the agent on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Alexander and unanimously RESOLVED:-

that the Assistant Director (Planning) (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to grant planning permission for the development, subject to the following:

Conditions and Reasons:

1.    The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason - To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99