Issue - meetings

Replacement of existing permanent residential caravan with a new dwelling
and relocation of the existing access

Permit.

Additional information was reported on the agenda update sheet regarding the name of the ward which should read as ‘Loxwood’, and a further condition that the existing mobile home is removed from the site within one month of occupation of the proposed dwelling.  An additional comment was also included on the agenda update sheet, from a third party believing a letter from the agent contained a misrepresentation of facts and a query regarding rural business need and current/future use, which had been addressed within the Officer’s report.

The following member of the public addressed the committee:

Mrs D Appleton – Agent

During the discussion Members debated the property in relation to the current business, whether such an isolated dwelling was contrary to the Neighbourhood Plan, and requested clarification regarding the class and whether it would be linked to the business.  Mrs Stevens confirmed that condition 3, would be amended, tying the dwelling (not mobile home) to person/s solely/mainly employed in the equestrian business.  Mrs Stevens also confirmed the use of the wider site could not be changed to any other business use without first obtaining planning permission. If the business should cease, planning permission would be required to remove the condition for it to be sold on the open market.  Mrs Stevens added that in respect of the Neighbourhood Plan, there is a ‘lawful fall-back’ for a tied property.  Mr Whitty further explained that the application seeks to ‘replace’ one property, which has permission, with another. Mr Whitty confirmed the recommended occupancy restriction condition could be amended to allow occupiers to be employed in agriculture in addition to the equestrian use on the site. .

Committee members also sought clarification regarding parking and access.   Mrs Stevens responded that the site provided two parking spaces for the proposed dwelling and further parking areas for horse boxes with sufficient turning spaces and that the Highways Authority was satisfied with the access and parking proposed. 

Recommendation to Permit agreed.