Field shelter and caravan at Aberhoccwn, Hermon

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to retain a field shelter, animal room, covered decking, washing facilities and a touring caravan.

“Description: Retrospective application for the retention of a field shelter at…”

“The application has been submitted for the retention of the existing field shelter which includes a room for housing animals, a sheltered decking area, a room with a shower/toilet/sink and retention of a touring caravan for the applicant to stay in when on site.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier field-shelter and curtilage applications were approved in 2010 and 2013, while a later screening opinion found an environmental impact assessment was unnecessary.

“15C171 - Cais ol-weithredol ar gyfer creu estyniad ir cwrtil ynghyd a chodi cysgodfa ar gyfer defnydd storio yn / Retrospective application for the extention to curtilage and erection of a field shelter for storage purposes at Aberhoccwn Cottage, Hermon, Malltraeth. Caniatau / Approved 08/06/2010”

“15C171A - Cais ol-weithredol ar gyfer cadw'r cysgodfa ar dir ger / Retrospective application for the retention of a field shelter on land near Aberhoccwn Cottage, Hermon, Malltraeth. Caniatau / Approved 04/12/2013”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers considered the development poorly designed, harmful to the countryside and AONB, and the caravan a permanent use contrary to planning policy.

“The field shelter building and touring caravan are not considered to be high-quality design and does not take into account its surrounding agricultural environment and is therefore contrary to policy PCYFF3 of the Development Plan. It is considered an unjustified and sporadic development which forms an incongruous and inharmonious feature which fails to maintain the rural and largely undeveloped character of this open countryside location.”

“Paragraph 2.1.1 of TAN 6 states that the planning system has a key role to play in protecting the natural environment and safeguarding the countryside. This is promoted in national policy, with section 3.38 of Planning Policy Wales (PPW) stating that in line with sustainable development and the national planning principles, the countryside must be conserved and where possible enhanced.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The local members supported the shelter for rare-breed animals; consultees gave advice or raised no continuing objection, and no public representations were received.

“Consultee Response Cynghorydd John Ifan Jones The local member supports the retention of the current development for the shelter of rare breed animals so that the applicant could care for them. The local member requested the application be determined by the planning committee if the planning department intended to refuse the application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant supported the proposal, two local members spoke in favour, and the Planning Development Manager explained the officers’ concerns.

The committee debate

Members discussed the shelter’s animal use, design, screening, septic tank and whether conditions could require changes to the structure.

“Councillor Jackie Lewis said that it is disappointing that the shelter did seem to be a small cottage in December last but during the site visit it had been transformed to a shelter for animals and the French doors been taken off the structure and boarded windows. She expressed concerns that there was an intention for a septic tank on the site to allow someone to live permanently on the site.”

“Councillor Euryn Morris ascertained if the application was approved could conditions be enforced for the amendment of the structure as an animal shelter. The Planning Development Manager responded that the application presented to the Committee needs to be considered, however, if the applicant submitted a…”

Minutes

The vote and decision

One member abstained, the refusal proposal was seconded, an alternative approval proposal was also seconded, and the application was refused.

“Councillor Jackie Lewis proposed that the application be refused in accordance with the Officers recommendation. Councillor Kenneth P Hughes seconded the proposal of refusal of the application.”

“Councillor John Ifan Jones proposed that the application be approve contrary to the Officer’s recommendation. Councillor Neville Evans said that there is a need for such an animal shelter in rural areas to care for animals. Councillor Neville Evans seconded the proposal of approval of the application.”

Minutes