This paper provides members with information on the outcome of applications on which the AONB Partnership has commented, and on patterns with recent planning applications affecting the AONB.

5.1       Members had received a report with information on the outcome of applications on which the AONB Partnership had commented, and on patterns regarding recent planning applications affecting the AONB.

5.2       The AONB Partnership Manager commented that there had been a significant increase in the number of planning applications being submitted over the past 12 months. He added that there were growing concerns that the AONB designation was not being given due weight when applications were determined. This was disappointing given the work to get the designation adequately recognised in planning policy, and the strong weight given to the designation within the National Planning Policy Framework. With loss of the parttime Planning & Landscape Officer post, the team’s way of working would be different, but currently the number of consultation responses being made had actually increased. A proposal was being considered to submit a standard response on all consultations received highlighting the planning authorities’ duties and relevant policies.

5.3       The Chair commented that the increase in applications was in large part due to a large number of speculative housing applications as a result of the lack of a 5 year land supply.

5.4       Cllr Kidd commented that there were many housing applications for 5 bedroom houses. She asked whether members should alert the AONB team to contentious planning applications, and the Chairman agreed that this would be helpful. Cllr Barker said that the pressure was not just from housing, but also agricultural buildings, infrastructure, etc.

5.5       Mr Turley commented that it was not only the AONB area which was experiencing the pressures the AONB Partnership Manager had referred to; similar pressures were being experienced across the Telford and Wrekin area.

5.6       Mrs Bedell commented that she believed that the publication of the SAMDev would bring an end to the pressures currently being experienced and asked whether it may be worth employing a temporary officer for 8 to 12 months to deal with the planning issues and ease the pressures on other staff.

5.7       Mrs Binks asked whether there was a role for the NAAONB. The AONB Partnership Manager advised that the Association did not have capacity to take on local casework. Ms Greenall observed that in some cases farmers were objecting to the scale of some poultry shed applications.

5.8       Mrs Claytonsmith informed the meeting that Church Stretton Town Council had suggested that the area should be designated a National Park which would give it the powers to become a planning authority. The Chairman commented that this was unlikely to happen for a number of reasons.

5.9       Mr Carty commented that the National Trust along with a number of other organisations were increasingly unhappy with the current planning system and suggested that organisations should write to Shropshire Council and central government expressing their concerns. Mrs Bury said that the Planning Committee members should be made more aware of the AONB Management Plan.

5.10    The Chairman commented that it may be useful if he and the AONB Partnership Manager had another meeting with the Planning Department to express the concerns raised.