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Agenda item

22/00393/FUL - Land At Oakleaze, South Cerney Road, Siddington

Summary

Erection of 5 Holiday lodges and associated works at Land at Oakleaze South

Cerney Road Siddington Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 6HT.

 

Case Officer

Andrew Moody

 

Ward Member

Councillor Mike Evemy

 

Recommendation

Permit

Minutes:

The application was for the erection of 5 Holiday lodges and associated works at Land at Oakleaze, South Cerney Road, Siddington, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6HT.

 

The Case Officer introduced the item, and highlighted the location and history of site.

 

The Officer’s recommendation was to permit the application.

 

Andrew Pywell, an objector, addressed the committee, making reference to policies 3 and 4 in EC11 ‘tourist accommodation’ and the impact on the rural landscape.

 

Trevor Webb, who was a friend of the applicant spoke on their behalf, highlighting the history of the site and supporting the application.

 

The Ward Member was unable to attend the meeting, and instead the Democratic Services Officer read out a statement on their behalf;

 

“'I'm sorry that I can't be with you this afternoon as I am away from the District at an LGA peer challenge.  

 

I am pleased that the Committee is considering this application as the officers' recommendation conflicts with Policies 3 and 4 in EC11 'Tourist Accommodation' in the Local Plan.

 

Whilst there was historic use of the site for touring caravans, that this was at

least ten years ago and prior to the adoption of the current local plan in 2018.

 

In addition, in my view, this is not a suitable site for holiday caravan provision as there is no safe walking or cycling route from the site.

 

For these reasons, I would ask members to refuse this application.”

 

Member Questions

 

Members asked about the existing screening hedge, referring to the visibility of the site and road safety aspects. The Case Officer stated that they had consulted with the highway authority, and following a speed survey, the new access was proposed, leading the highway authority to raise no objection to the application. The Case Officer stated that the highway authority was satisfied with the visibility splays.

 

Members asked whether the site could be reverted to a caravan site without seeking permission. The Planning Officer stated that the Caravanning and Camping Club were responsible for issuing Caravan licenses, and up to 5 could be permitted without requiring planning permission.

 

Members made reference to the objection received from the Parish Council, which stated that the proposed lodges were not in fitting with the Cotswold Design Code. The Case Officer stated that as there was no landscape designation for the area, and similarly designed lodges existed in the district, this was not grounds for refusal, in their view.

 

Member Comments

 

Councillor Julia Judd proposed refusing the application, referencing the policies within the Local Plan adopted in 2018, after the original caravans were put in place, the site was not within a development boundary and the fact that there were nearby tourist amenities.

 

Members discussed the proposal, and stated that the reasons for refusing would be referencing Policy EC11 of the Local Plan, which stated;

 

“Self-Catering Accommodation:

3. Proposals for self-catering accommodation, will only be permitted where it:

a. is provided through the conservation and conversion of existing buildings, including agricultural buildings; or b. is appropriately located within Development Boundaries.

4. Exceptionally, proposals for new-build, short stay, self catering units that are directly associated on-site with a tourist attraction, and required to sustain the viability of the tourist attraction, will be acceptable.”

 

Members felt that the application was contrary to these policies.

 

Councillor Patrick Coleman seconded the proposal.

 

Councillor Mark Harris proposed permitting the application, as per the officer’s recommendation. Councillor Dilys Neill seconded the proposal. The Committee voted on the proposals in the order they were proposed. The Committee first voted to agree to refuse the application, so the proposal to permit the application was not voted on.

 

Voting record – For 6, Against 5

 

RESOLVED: to REFUSE application

 

For

Against

Abstain

Councillor Daryl Corps

Councillor Andrew Maclean

 

Councillor David Fowles

Councillor Dilys Neill

 

Councillor Ian Watson

Councillor Gary Selwyn

 

Councillor Julia Judd

Councillor Mark Harris

 

Councillor Michael Vann

Councillor Ray Brassington

 

Councillor Patrick Coleman

 

 

 

Supporting documents:

 

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