Game bird rearing at Pump, Hook Lane, Hinton Blewett, Bristol

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission for a track, yard, bund, two containers and seasonal game bird rearing alongside agriculture.

“The application refers to an agricultural site located to the south of Hinton Blewett. The site is located within the National Landscape.”

“Planning permission is sought for the retrospective laying of track and yard, bund creation, positioning of two containers and the change of use of land from agricultural to mixed use for agricultural and the seasonal rearing of game birds and associated works.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the proposal sustainable development supporting rural business diversification, and recommended permission subject to conditions.

“In this case, the proposal has been assessed against the relevant policies of the development plan and other material considerations, including the National Planning Policy Framework. For the reasons set out within this report, the proposal is considered to comply with the relevant provisions of the development plan.”

“Accordingly, it is concluded that the proposal represents sustainable development and planning permission is recommended for approval, subject to the conditions set out below.”

Officer report

Officers’ main findings

Officers found the proposal acceptable in principle and considered its effects on character, landscape, amenity, highways, drainage, pollution and ecology acceptable.

“Local Plan Partial Update policy NE2 has regard to conserving and enhancing the landscape and landscape character. The policy notes a number of criteria which should be met in order for the development to be considered acceptable in landscape, including conserving the local landscape character and conserving. The policy also states that development should seek to avoid or should adequately mitigate any adverse impacts on the landscape.”

“The site is located within the National Landscape, formerly known as the AONB. The landscape around the site is characterised within the Chew Valley Neighbourhood plan as being relatively flat plateau land, not easily seen from the wider landscape. The site is bound to its east side with a large hedgerow and an additional hedge wraps around the area of hardstanding to the south and west which offers soft screening.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The parish council representative and a local resident spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support.

How members voted

The motion to refuse on highway grounds was defeated, and the motion to permit was carried with six votes for, two against and one abstention.

“On voting for the motion to refuse the application on highways grounds it was NOT CARRIED (3 in favour and 6 against).”

“On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (6 in favour, 2 against, 1 abstention).”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“Cllr Simon moved the officers recommendation to permit the application, and this was seconded by Cllr Halsall.”

“RESOLVED that permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes

Main conditions

Conditions require biodiversity details, removal and replacement of access gates, seasonal limits on game bird rearing, and compliance with approved plans.

“2 Biodiversity Net Gain Plan (Pre-commencement) No development shall commence until full details of a Biodiversity Gain Plan achieving a minimum of 10% measurable biodiversity net gain, and a Habitat Management Plan for any on-site habitats and biodiversity measures, have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“3 Access Gates (bespoke-trigger) The existing gates installed on site at the proposed access point shall be removed within 6 months of the granting of permission. Details of new gates, recessed from the site access…”

Officer report