Issue - meetings

Extension of hall to north. Remove main entrance from north east to north west side. Old entrance changed to single opening. Alter the layout of the hall. Re-turf the existing car park.  Change of use of land and alterations to form new car park to northwest of the hall

Permit (contrary to officer recommendation)

Mr Hixson left the meeting at this point and did not return.

The following members of the public addressed the Committee:

·         Mr A Spencer – Parish representative

·         Mr P Mcdanell – Objector

·         Mrs S Bailey – Objector

·         Mr P Green – Supporter

·         Captain J Talbot – Supporter

·         Reverend Swindells - Supporter

·         Mr P Montyn – WSCC member

During the discussion members indicated their support for the proposed extension to the existing Memorial Hall but expressed differing views in respect of the proposal to change for change of use of the adjoining land and alterations to form new car park to the northwest of the hall, which would result in the loss of grade 2 agricultural land.  However, the majority of members considered that the proposal to relocate the proposed car park to a countryside location adjoining the Memorial Hall site was acceptable as they felt that the area of agricultural land to be lost was not a significant part of the overall field.

Mr Whitty responded to members’ questions and comments.  He advised that with regard to the officer recommendation to refuse permission and the principle of intrusion into the open countryside and the loss of agricultural land the proposal would result in an adverse landscape impact.  With regard to need for a new car park, he advised that officers considered that the current car park could be redesigned on the existing site and managed in a safe manner to meet the applicant’s needs.

Mr Frost advised the Committee of the importance of all members taking into account all relevant local and national planning policies and the significance of the Committee making a decision to permit the proposal in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A vote following a proposal to permit the application was carried.

Permit with appropriate conditions to include time limits, approved plans, development to be carried out in accordance with submitted ecological survey, drainage scheme to be agreed, extent of culverting to be agreed, materials, landscaping, boundary treatments, porous surfaces, provision and retention of high vehicle barrier, provision of cycle parking, public right of way, external lighting scheme,  plus informatives concerning the use of the hall and grounds as a community hall only and the other consents required in respect of works to watercourses and the public right of way.

(Note: this decision was contrary to the officer recommendation)

Mr Elliott and Mr Oakley left the meeting at this point and did not return.