Flexible employment units at Land At Hatchmoor Road, Great Torrington

“The application seeks the following details: Full Planning Permission (1.22 hectares): Full Planning Permission for the erection of nine (9) employment units contained within three separate buildings; the creation of a vehicular access onto the Public, Classified (Class B) highway to the south of the site; the provision of a dedicated footpath and cycle path along the southern boundary of the site, extending to the footpath located 145 metres to the west of the site; the…”

“Outline Permission (0.75 hectares): Outline Planning Permission, with all matters reserved except access, for up to an additional 3,022 square metres of employment space for flexible commercial use.”

“Site Description The application site measures 1.97 hectares and is located within the development boundary for Great Torrington, which is designated as a 'Main Centre' within the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan (NDTLP) and the Great Torrington Neighbourhood Plan area. The site forms a part of a wider 3.95 hectares of land designated as employment land through Local Plan Policy GTT02.”

“The site consists of open agricultural land and is neighboured by agricultural land to the north and east; the public highway to the south; designated playing fields to the west; and Hatchmoor Nursing Home to the northwest. The site boundary consists of well-established hedges and treelines. The closest residential property is located approximately 76 metres to the northwest of the site.”

“Minor harm has been identified with regards to the landscape visual impact; however, there is an acceptance that any development of this nature would cause some degree of harm. Albeit the minor harm is localised to the immediate surrounding landscape; would not result in an unacceptable impact on any designated landscapes; and has been minimised as far as reasonably practicable. On this basis, the level of harm would not warrant refusal of the proposed development.”

“For the reasons outlined above, the benefits of the proposed development would, in your Officer’s opinion, substantially and demonstrably outweigh any limited harm. It is therefore recommended that the Application is approved, subject to the required legal agreement and the recommended planning conditions.”

“The third-party representations received are summarised below: Neutral Comments: • Potential noise impacts. • Potential ground water contamination from industrial uses. • Location of speed limits and potential highway impacts.”

“Objection Comment: • Increase traffic, resulting in noise and pollution and highway safety. • Impact on character. • Loss of green space. • Water supply for neighbouring property traversing the site.”

“The borehole. Any borehole will be lined and descend a considerable depth into the water table. They are designed not to admit subsoil water (ie near surface water which may be muddy etc) and water passes through a filter and treatment system before being used by the consumers.”

“Members queried the risk of flooding from the attenuation basin, its capacity, and the of the receiving ditch, as well as the need for oil/water interceptors for drainage in permeable parking areas. The Principal Planning Officer confirmed these matters are addressed through the design and planning conditions, with Devon County Council’s Lead Local Flood Authority satisfied with the proposed conditions for a detailed drainage design.”

“Councillor Hames proposed to add an informative on water capture. Councillor Bushby and Councillor Leather raised concerns about the practicality of large-scale water capture for multiple units. It was agreed to include an informative encouraging tenants to use individual, portable water capture measures.”

“Resolved – That the application be approved, subject to Unilateral Undertaking and an informative encouraging water capture, with final wording to be agreed by Officers in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair.”