Agricultural storage building at Land To The West Of Horseway Farm, Byall Fen Drove, Manea

What was proposed

The application proposed an agricultural storage building for leek cold storage, an attenuation pond, a new access and related landscaping.

“This application seeks to erect an agricultural storage building, and the formation of an attenuation pond and an access on land to the West of Horseway Farm.”

“The proposed agricultural storage building would be for leek cold storage and would be situated adjacent to the north-western boundary of the site. The building would comprise four enclosed leek stores and an open-sided storage area. The building would cover a floor area of 60.96m x 24.69 metres approx. The roof proposed would be dual-pitched with an eaves height of 9.55 metres approx and a ridge height of 11.89 metres approx.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is an open field between Chatteris and Manea, near homes, a listed farmhouse, an archaeological findspot and Flood Zones 2 and 3.

“The application site is situated on the north-western side of Byall Fen Drove, between the settlements of Chatteris and Manea. Byall Fen Drove is characterised by sporadic dwellings, with the prominent character being agricultural. At present the application site is a field…”

“A Grade II Listed Building is situated to the south of the application site at Holly House Farmhouse. An Archaeological findspot is also situated to the south of the application site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for an agricultural storage building, attenuation pond and access was refused in 1989.

“Reference Description Decision F/0339/89/F Erect an agricultural storage building, and the formation of an attenuation pond and an access Refused 08/06/1989”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in principle as an extension to a rural enterprise, with manageable effects subject to conditions.

“The development represents minimal issues in terms of visual or residential amenity, highway safety, flood risk and biodiversity and is acceptable in principle given it is an extension to an existing rural enterprise.”

“The application site is situated within Flood Zone 3 and the application is accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). The Sequential Test within the submitted FRA is not considered to have been applied correctly, however given that the development is classed as ‘Less Vulnerable’, the FRA confirms that the development would be safe for its lifetime and the fact there is no objection from the Environment Agency, it is not considered that a refusal would be justified in…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, flood, conservation, ecology, environmental health, the Environment Agency and Natural England raised no outstanding objection, subject to conditions where specified.

“Following a review of the above documents, CCC Highways have removed their objection to the scheme as the effect of the proposed development on the highway would likely be mitigated subject to suggested conditions. The suggested conditions relate to the layout, construction and drainage of the access, positioning of gates and the requirement of parking and turning space to be provided prior to the first occupation of the development.”

“The FDC Environmental Health team have suggested conditions regarding noise emitted from fixed plant and equipment located within the leek storage building. They have also suggested a pre-commencement condition requiring the submission of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).”

Officer report

Views from residents

Eight objections raised issues including roads, noise, odour, traffic, building size, views, business effects and greenspace, while supporters cited farming, jobs, landscaping and accessibility.

“Objecting Comments Officer Response Condition of road Addressed in ‘Access and Highways’ assessment section. Noise Addressed in ‘Residential Amenity’ assessment section. Odour Addressed in ‘Residential Amenity’ assessment section. Increased traffic Addressed in ‘Access and Highways’ assessment section. Size of building Addressed in ‘Design, Visual Amenity and Heritage’ assessment section. Impact on view Addressed in ‘Residential Amenity’ assessment section.”

“Supporting Comments Officer Response Supporting local farmers No further comments to make. Job creation No further comments to make. Renewable energy No further comments to make. In keeping Addressed in ‘Design, Visual Amenity and Heritage’ assessment section. Landscaping Addressed in ‘Landscaping’ assessment section. Accessible location Addressed in ‘Access and Highways’ assessment section.”

Officer report

What the agent said

The agent said the store would support local farming, jobs and renewable energy while reducing imports and some existing vehicle movements.

The committee vote

Councillor Benney proposed approval, Councillor Mrs French seconded it and members agreed to grant permission as recommended.

“Proposed by Councillor Benney, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted for the agricultural storage building, attenuation pond and access, subject to the recommended conditions.

“F/YR25/0416/F LAND TO THE WEST OF HORSEWAY FARM, BYALL FEN DROVE, MANEA ERECT AN AGRICULTURAL STORAGE BUILDING, AND THE FORMATION OF AN ATTENUATION POND AND AN ACCESS”

Minutes