Agenda item

Change of use from agricultural land to mixed use agricultural and outdoor leisure/recreational use and erect two Polytunnels, two steel containers for tool storage and portacabin for community use

Land at Greasley Castle Farm, 120 Church Road, Greasley, NG16 2AB

Change of use from agricultural land to mixed use agricultural and outdoor leisure/recreational use and erect two Polytunnels, two steel containers for tool storage and portacabin for community use

Land at Greasley Castle Farm, 120 Church Road, Greasley, NG16 2AB

This application had been called before Committee as it proposed inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

There were no late items in respect of the application and no public speakers.

The Committee debated the application with particular reference to the temporary nature of the permission and the opportunities the development would give to children with disabilities and their families to partake in outdoor activities.  The debate progressed on to the concern that the proposed polytunnels could be an eyesore, in particular spoiling the iconic view from Hemmingway Close up to the Church and Castle Farm.  Mitigation of the appearance of the polytunnels was discussed.  There was also concern that this could represent development by stealth, though it was noted that any further development would have to come before the Committee.

It was proposed by Councillor D K Watts and seconded by Councillor D Grindell that a condition be added to the planning permission making it clear that the development should only be permitted if it was to be used by a community group.  On being put to the meeting the proposal was passed. 

          RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and an additional condition relating to the use of the development being specifically for community groups and the precise wording of the condition to be delegated to the Head of Planning and Economic Development in consultation with the Chair of the Planning Committee.     

1.     The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this permission.

Reason: To comply with S91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by S51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.     The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the Site Location Plan (1:2500), Block Plan (1:500), Floor Plans and Elevations (1:100); received by the Local Planning Authority on 28 August and 1 October 2020.

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt.

3.     The permission for the change of use of the land and siting of buildings hereby approved shall be for a limited period of 5 years, expiring on the 10 December 2025 when the buildings permitted shall be removed and the land reinstated to its former state to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority unless prior permission has first been obtained in writing from the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: The buildings by virtue of their construction and appearance are not suitable for permanent retention and in accordance with Broxtowe Part 2 Local Plan (2019) Policy 17.

4.     The portacabin and storage containers hereby approved shall be dark green in colour, and retained as such for the lifetime of the development.

Reason: To ensure the development is in keeping with the character of the surrounding area and in accordance with Broxtowe Part 2 Local Plan (2019) Policy 17.

5.     The use of the site shall be limited to the activities as described in section 3 of the planning application form, notably agricultural and outdoor recreational/leisure for community use in association with the Rainbow Parent Carers Forum.

Reason: To ensure the site is used in accordance with the terms of the application only and to protect the openness of the Green Belt in accordance with Policy 8 of the Broxtowe Part 2 Local Plan (2019).

        NOTES TO APPLICANT

1.     The Council has acted positively and proactively in the determination of this application by working to determine it within the agreed determination timescale.

2.     The proposed development lies within a coal mining area which may contain unrecorded coal mining related hazards.  If any coal mining feature is encountered during development, this should be reported immediately to the Coal Authority on 0345 762 6848. 

Further information is also available on the Coal Authority website at:

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/the-coal-authority

3.     Burning of commercial waste is a prosecutable offence. It also causes unnecessary nuisance to those in the locality. All waste should be removed by an appropriately licensed carrier.

4.     The applicant is to ensure that suitable washing and toilet facilities appropriate for the needs of the proposed site users are provided on site.