Nine lodge layout change at Willow Lakes Ashby Hill Top Farm, Ashby cum Fenby

What was proposed

The application sought to change the approved positions and layout of nine holiday lodges while retaining their number, size and scale.

“PROPOSAL: Variation of Condition 2 (Plans) following DM/0986/18/FUL to alter site layout to amend lodge positions…”

“The application seeks to vary condition 7 (Approved Plans) pursuant to DM/0986/18/FUL, which was for the erection of nine holiday cabins. This amendment relates to alterations to the approved lodge positions and the site layout at Willow Lakes, Ashby Hill Top Farm. Works have started on site.”

Officer report

The site

The site forms part of a large holiday park beside the A18, with holiday accommodation, stables, paddocks, café and fishing lakes.

“The site is adjacent to the A18 at Ashby Hill Top near the village of Ashby cum Fenby. The site forms part of the Willow Lakes holiday park which stretches from the A18 northeast and equates to some 18 hectares and currently includes holiday cottages, holiday lodges, stables, livery, horse paddocks and 2 fishing lakes.”

“The site is located adjacent to the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, the A18 forms the boundary of the National Landscape. The site drops down off the edge of the Wolds to the Humber valley below. The change in levels is roughly 30m from the top of the site adjacent to the A18 to the bottom of the site to the north east. The site has various boundary treatments from large native hedgerows to low fences. There are various landscaping features within the site.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended approval because the minor changes retained the development concept, created no neighbour or visual impacts, and did not alter approved drainage.

“Visually, the proposal would alter the design concept; given the proposed layout changes. However, the works are minor in nature with the number, size and scale being retained. Although the layout has been changed it still retains the concept of the lodges around the lake. As a result there are no visual or amenity impacts. There are no neighbouring properties to impact.”

“The comments from the Parish Council are noted however, the works are retrospective in nature and have been in situ for some time. In addition, the works have been previously approved and the alteration to the positioning has not changed the drainage proposed. Indeed, the drainage has been implemented as approved and the revisions are in line with this approved arrangement. The site is very well contained and it is not considered that there are any drainage concerns.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council recommended refusal over drainage, while consultees generally raised no objections and one neighbour supported the application.

“Ashby Cum Fenby Parish Council - Recommends refusal due to concerns relating to drainage issues on site.”

“Deer Farm, Telford House, Barton Street, Ashby Cum Fenby - Happy will application and no impacts.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer introduced the application, and the agent supported it, explaining that the lodges and drainage arrangements were substantially retained.

Members discussed drainage

Members considered the proposal minor, agreed that drainage would not be an issue, and expressed no concerns about approving it.

“Councillor Hudson said that he thought Ashby Cum Fenby Parish Council was wrong on this occasion and he didn’t think they should have objected. He didn’t think the drainage would be an issue and, had they not objected, the application would have been approved by planning officers under delegated powers. Councillor Hudson said that what was proposed was minor and he had no concerns with the application.”

“Councillor Bright stated that the overall drainage scheme had not changed and what was proposed were minor changes. He said that he saw no reason to object to the application.”

Minutes

The committee voted

A proposal to approve the application with conditions was made and seconded, and the committee voted unanimously in favour.

“Councillor Lindley seconded the proposal to approve the application with conditions.”

“(Note - the committee voted unanimously for the application to be approved with conditions.)”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved with conditions for holiday-only occupation, approved plans, landscaping and permeable communal parking.

“(3) Condition Within 12 months of the date of permission the scheme of landscaping and tree planting shall be completed in accordance with the details as shown on plans ref: 4.03.01B and shall thereafter be managed (as approved under DM/0986/18/FUL) unless otherwise approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“(4) Condition The communal parking area as detailed on plan ref: B (as approved under DM/0986/18/FUL) shall be constructed in permeable materials only.”

Officer report