Rural enterprise dwelling at Goitrefach, Hendy, Swansea

What was proposed

The application sought a rural enterprise dwelling with an improved field access, gravel driveway, parking and turning area.

“The application seeks planning permission to erect a rural enterprise dwelling on the land, including the creation of an improved access point near to the existing field access gate and a gravelled driveway.”

“A 20m wide entrance bay is proposed with a set back , to be finished in tarmacadam as an improvement to the existing field access to create a wide entrance for not only domestic vehicles but also to cater for large agricultural vehicles which will remain to require access to the remaining part of the agricultural field. This will necessitate removal of existing hedgerows which are proposed to be translocated to the rear of the entrance bay extents.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a grassed agricultural field south west of the farm complex, in an elevated position with countryside views and nearby infrastructure constraints.

“Goitrefach farm complex is located on elevated ground, rising from east to west. The land further rises up towards the application site, with the site being approximately 20m above the farm complex and existing residential dwelling.”

“In terms of site constraints, whilst there are no specific designations affecting the site, it is located within the consultation zone for the nearby gas pipeline which lies to the south west in the adjoining field. There is also a public bridleway located within the adjoining field area to the north west.”

Officer report

Related farm proposals

A separate pre-application proposal concerns a new milking parlour and cattle housing using the same access and driveway.

“A Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) has commenced for a proposal to construct a new milking parlour and cattle housing on the adjacent field to the south-east of the application site. This proposal intends to utilise the same access and driveway as outlined in the current application for the dwelling.”

“Although this is a separate proposal and will be subject to a formal application in due course, it is being brought to Members’ attention in the interests of transparency and openness, due to its connection with the access arrangements currently under consideration and its ongoing live public consultation.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Ecology, drainage and highways consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while no public representations were received.

“Planning Ecology – raise no objections and confirm satisfaction with the level of assessment made, the findings and ecological recommendation provided subject to conditions requiring that the development proceeds in accordance with the submitted Green Infrastructure Statement, Drainage Strategy and plans.”

“Head of Transportation & Highways - initial concerns have been addressed and the Head of Transportation & Highways has confirmed that no objection to the development is raised subject to the imposition of conditions, including a condition to secure the required visibility splays which is achievable given that the applicant has control over the land.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

A senior development management officer presented the application, and the committee was advised of the refusal recommendation.

What members considered

Members considered that the farm’s size and operations justified the dwelling and that connecting it to the existing farmhouse was unnecessary.

“Whilst having regard to those refusal reasons detailed, the Committee considered the application should be granted contrary to the Head of Place and Sustainability’s recommendation on the basis it was felt that:-”

“There was Rural Enterprise justification for the dwelling based on existing size of the farm acreage and the scale of the farm operations. The Committee considered that it was not necessary for the proposed dwelling to be connected to the existing farmhouse, as there was no risk of fragmentation of the farm unit. 3.”

Minutes