Archery field and facilities at Grazing Field, Portinscale

“Retrospective planning permission is sought for the change the use of an agricultural field north of Portinscale from agriculture to a mixed-use, comprising agriculture and recreation (archery). Retrospective permission is also sought for associated development comprising the siting of two shipping containers, composting toilets and the creation of hardstanding for parking.”

“The application site is located in the open countryside. Policy 02 (Spatial Strategy) sets out the level and type of development that is appropriate for different places and encourages more sustainable living and working patterns by reducing unnecessary travel and avoiding sporadic development in the open countryside.”

“The application site is a mile outside of Keswick, in the open countryside between Portinscale and Braithwaite, immediately north of the former railway line and accessed along private tracks from the old main road. Permitting a permanent recreational use in such a location, without reasonable justification for doing so, would represent highly repeatable circumstances for any permanent recreational use which would benefit from such a site.”

“The recreational use of the land proposed is classed as water compatible. However, the National Planning Policy Framework and the National Planning Practice Guidance still expect the sequential test to be applied. The purpose of the sequential test is to guide new development to locations at low risk of flooding in the first instance. Only if there are no reasonably available sites in lower flood risk areas, should areas at higher risk of flooding be considered.”

“The submitted flood risk assessment states that flood flows are expected to be shallow and low velocity, but no supporting evidence or modelling is provided to explain how this conclusion has been reached.”

“Local Highway Authority – The Highway Authority is broadly supportive of the development, but it does raise some concerns in relation to its location, accessibility and future sustainability from active travel. Further information is sought from the applicant.”

“Lead Local Flood Authority – The site lies in Flood Zone 3, the EA should be consulted on the application. The applicant proposes to use a permeable surface for the parking area, this with the proposed containers is unlikely to increase the surface water flood risk to the development or local area. The LLFA has no objections to the proposed development.”

“Motion to approve the application with conditions Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] in favour of motion: Members against the motion: 1”