Construction of four poultry sheds and feed bins, ancillary works, formation of new vehicular access, erection of biomass building and associated landscaping.

In accordance with his declaration at Minute No. 95, Councillor David Evans left the room during consideration of this item.

The Principal Planner introduced the application and with reference to the drawings displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the location, layout and elevations.  He confirmed that Members had undertaken a site visit that morning and had viewed the site and assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.  He explained that the recommendation was to approve subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 of the report and subject to no decision being issued until Natural England had been consulted and the 21 day statutory consultation period had expired.  Accordingly, he requested that if Natural England requested any further conditions he be given delegated authority to add these to the conditions.  In the event that Natural England raised any objections to the conclusions of the Appropriate Assessment, the proposal would be reported back to this Committee.

By virtue of the amendment made to Shropshire Council’s Constitution, as agreed at the meeting of Full Council held on 27 February 2014, Councillor Nigel Hartin, as the local Ward Councillor, made a statement and then left the room and took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During his statement, the following points were raised:

·         There had been a considerable number of objections from the local community and strong objections from Natural England and the AONB Partnership;

·         Could significantly endanger the River Clun;

·         Proposal would contribute to the wider economy but would not benefit the local economy and might well detract from the local tourism economy;

·         Large buildings and would be situated only 270m from the nearest dwelling;

·         Proposal would impact on Hopton Heath and local properties;

·         Existing operation had attracted complaints;

·         Highways had raised no objections with regard to the access road, but this was a fast stretch of road; and

·         The proposal would be contrary to Core Strategy Policies CS6, CS8, CS13, CS16, CS17 and CS18.

Mr J Roberts, representing Clungunford Parish Council, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         He drew Members’ attention to Appendix 2 of the report, which set out the objections of Clungunford Parish Council;

·         Although not in the AONB, this was an open and undeveloped block of open land clearly visible from points within the AONB;

·         Would be located adjacent to a stream that fed into the River Teme, which was a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI);

·         Would provide no employment or support to the local economy;

·         There had been many objections from villagers and it had not been supported by Natural England or AONB Partnership; and

·         Out of scale with the surroundings, would provide no economic benefits, and there would be adverse impact from noise and odour.

Mr S Thomas, the agent, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised

·         The business supported three generations and would ensure that these families remained local;

·         Would support the local economy including other small family businesses in the area;

·         Existing poultry business was well-established and there had been no complaints;

·         A full landscape plan had been submitted and would mitigate any impact on the landscape;

·         Would not be in the AONB;

·         Would be regulated by the Environment Agency; and

·         No objections had been raised by highways.

In the ensuing debate, Members considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all speakers.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted as per the Officer’s recommendation, subject to:

·         Condition No. 10 being amended to ensure that the external surfaces of the roof shall be BS18B29;

·         Planting on the proposed earth bund to include a variety of appropriate native semi-mature specimen trees and deciduous rural planting;

·         That the Planning Officer be given delegated authority to add any further conditions requested by Natural England following the consultation on the Appropriate Assessment and the expiration of the 21 day statutory consultation period; and

·         The conditions set out in Appendix 1 to the report.