Agenda item

a)    3/16/2027/FUL – Recommended for Approval

b)    3/16/2028/LBC – Recommended for Approval

Mrs Moncur and Mrs Bryan addressed the Committee in objection to the application.  Mr Spencer spoke for the application.

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that in respect of applications 3/16/2027/FUL and 3/16/2028/LBC, planning permission and listed building consent be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.

The Head commented on the principle of development and advised that there was no objection to the reuse of buildings within the Green Belt.  The main issue was the difference in opinion between the applicant and the tenants regarding the use of the existing farm buildings.  Members must balance these considerations against the clear advice from the conservation team that the application would enhance the setting of the listed building and would allow the long term reuse, repair and enhancement of the listed building.

Councillor R Brunton stated that the premise on which the application had been made was wrong.  He emphasised that the design of the proposed development was good and this would enhance the openness of the Green Belt.  He referred to the farming records and the word of the speakers that the barns were used for dry grain and fertiliser storage.

Councillor Brunton believed that a lack of engagement between the two parties made the provision of alternative storage facilities unlikely.  He also believed that this application had not been properly consulted on and was premature given that the site might come forward for development following the adoption of the District Plan.  He concluded by referring to the relevance of policy GBC10 in respect of this application and he urged the Committee to join him in voting against the Officer’s recommendation.

A number of Members highlighted the relevance of policy GBC10.  The Head referred to policy GBC10 and the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007.  He referred to a number of matters Members should consider and highlighted NPPF policies that post-dated the East Herts Local Plan.

The Legal Services Manager reminded Members to carefully consider any reasons for going against the recommendation for approval and to keep in mind the additional weight that could now be given to the emerging District Plan over the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007.

Councillor K Warnell proposed and Councillor R Brunton seconded, a motion that application 3/16/2027/FUL be refused on the grounds that the proposed development would result in the loss of existing buildings that were currently used for agricultural purposes and were of significant value to the agricultural holding and its viability.  The proposal was therefore contrary to policy GBC10 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.  In respect of application 3/16/2027/FUL, the Committee rejected the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control as now submitted.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken in respect of application 3/16/2028/LBC, the Committee accepted the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that (A) in respect of application 3/16/2027/FUL, planning permission be refused for the following reason:

1.        The proposed development would result in the loss of existing buildings that were currently used for agricultural purposes and were of significant value to the agricultural holding and its viability.  The proposal was therefore contrary to policy GBC10 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007.

(B)   in respect of application 3/16/2028/LBC, listed building consent be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report.