Open air storage yard at Land at SX 719 490 Loddiswell

What was proposed

A builders yard would change use to Class B8 open air storage with a new vehicular access, on a site already developed for storage.

“Development: Change of use from builders yard to Class B8 open air storage, closing of existing vehicular access, formation of new vehicular access & associated works.”

“Impacts on the South Devon National Landscape and visual amenity • Site was developed land and has existing use as a builders storage yard.”

Minutes

Landscape officer's assessment

The Landscape Officer said recent woodland planting would screen the site once mature, removing the objection on landscape grounds.

“The Landscape Officer added that initially there was concern because this location was within the South Devon National Landscape. Following a site visit it was apparent that the site was fully enclosed by recent woodland planting. When these trees mature would create a strong landscape feature which would screen the application site. On the basis on the potential for harm they were satisfied on the mitigation offered and therefore no reason to object on landscape grounds.”

Minutes

Further officer detail

Officers said Environmental Health raised no concern on chemical spillages, the containers would not be double stacked, and highways could accommodate larger vehicles.

“In response to questions raised, it was reported that: • Regarding chemical spillages, Environmental Health did not raise this as a concern. • The shipping containers were classed as open air storage. • The shipping containers would not be double stacked. • The proposed development does not include a distribution centre. • Highways felt that larger vehicles accessing the site could be achieved.”

Minutes

Support for the application

A supporter said the business would move its entrance for safer access and had exceeded biodiversity net gain requirements.

Members' debate

Members asked for motion-sensor lighting and a stronger condition on vehicle maintenance, which officers said could be enforced against the site operator.

“During the debate, the following points were raised: • One member supported the officer’s decision of conditional approval. • A request was made for low level lighting or motion sensor lighting. The Head of Development Management would rather have an informative saying the details required for Condition 8, LPA expects low level lighting to be controlled by motion. • Concerns on the maintenance of vehicles on site and whether this clause could be strengthened.”

Minutes

What was decided

The committee supported the officer's recommendation and granted conditional approval, including restrictions on lighting, single-stacked containers and operating hours.

“It was then PROPOSED and SECONDED to support the officer’s recommendation.”

“Conditions: Standard time 2. In accordance with plans 3.Proposed storage to be restricted to only be sited at the site within the black outlined zone highlighted on landscape plan. Shipping containers may only be single stacked 5. Hours of operation to be restricted between the hours of 7 am and 9pm on any day. Use restricted to Class B8 self-storage and distribution 7. No working on stored vehicles 8.No external lighting unless agreed in writing 9.”

Minutes