Vehicle access track at Ambyree Glen Road Sarisbury Green, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought to reconfigure and resurface a vehicle track to the barn, with a parking area, reseeding and native tree planting.

“Description of Proposal 3.1 Works have commenced on the installation of an access track leading from the bridleway at the eastern end of the site down to the barn. This has involved the opening up of the access on to the bridleway and the laying of some hard surfacing material at the entrance to the site. The works have not yet been completed, and the track becomes bare compacted ground as it leads into the site.”

“It is proposed that the track would be formed by filling a 300mm deep excavation with compacted scalping’s with a top surface of compacted smaller scalping’s which would be grey in colour. The track would measure approximately 4m in width for its length widening out into a parking area directly in front of the barn.”

Officer report

The site

The countryside site has agricultural use, a large barn, containers, paddocks, caravans and a steeply sloping approach using a narrow bridleway.

“Site Description 2.1 The application site is located within the countryside to the south of Swanwick Lane. Vehicular access to the site is taken via Glen Road to just beyond the M27 motorway bridge. The final part of the journey to the site relies on use of a bridleway which is narrow and unmade and climbs steeply uphill passing through woodland from the point where it meets Glen Road.”

“There is a large barn on the site which was previously used for the sheltering of animals and the storage of machinery and equipment. Two containers are also located on the site and fencing divides the land into paddocks.”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended permission because the agricultural access needed a countryside location and the proposal was considered acceptable in principle.

“Policy DS1 of the Fareham Local Plan 2037 concerns development in the countryside. It states that proposals for development in the countryside, which is defined as land outside the Urban Area boundary as shown on the Policies map, will be supported where the proposal satisfies at least one of a number of criteria (a-i). In this instance (i) is considered to apply which states that development will be supported where it;”

“The use of land for agriculture has a clear requirement or need for a countryside location outside of the urban area. The proposed development is stated as being required in association with the lawful agricultural use. On this basis Officers must conclude that the proposal would comply with Policy DS1(i) and the proposed development is considered acceptable in principle.”

Officer report

Main planning effects

Officers considered the access acceptable in the countryside, with no unacceptable landscape, neighbour, highway or ecological effects subject to safeguards.

“It is considered that the appearance of the access would be appropriate within the countryside and would not have an unacceptable impact on the character or appearance of the landscape.”

“The proposed development is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the local plan in terms of its need for a countryside location and the impact on the character and appearance of the landscape, impact on residential amenity, and ecology.”

Officer report

Concerns raised

Thirteen letters raised concerns about the bridleway, traffic, waste, caravans, future land use, congestion and private access rights.

“Representations 6.1 Thirteen letters of representation have been received which raise the following concerns:”

“Unauthorised works to bridleway • Burning of waste on application site • Dumping of waste including abandoned caravans and debris • Concerns as to landowners intentions for future use of land • Increased vehicle movements on bridleway resulting in conflict with walkers, horse and cycle riders • Further congestion on Glen Road • Traffic regulation order on Glen Road prohibits access to the site by motor vehicles having 3 or more wheels • Private right of way over land is…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee received a deputation.

The committee debated refusal

A motion to refuse because of effects on neighbouring properties and local character was defeated by seven votes to two.

“A motion to refuse the application due to the impact on the neighbouring properties and the harmful effect on the character and appearance of the local area, was seconded and voted on, and declared LOST. (Voting: 2 in favour; 7 against)”

Minutes

The final vote

A motion to grant permission subject to the report’s conditions passed with five votes in favour, three against and one abstention.

“A further motion to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions in the report, was voted on and CARRIED. (Voting: 5 in favour; 3 against; 1 abstention)”

Minutes

Permission was granted

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions in the report.

“RESOLVED that, subject to the conditions in the report, PLANNING PERMISSION be granted.”

Minutes