Retaining wall and patio at Ty'r Berllan Llangwm To Nantygelli Farm, Llangwm

“This retrospective planning application is for a change of use of 360sqm of agricultural land to residential curtilage associated with the dwelling Ty'r Berllan together with the retention of a patio and retaining wall which have not been built in accordance with a previous approval, reference DM/2023/00795.”

“The new extended garden curtilage is to be enclosed with a post and rail fence to denote the boundary between residential curtilage and agricultural land. The land will remain as grass with the remaining land retained for agricultural purposes.”

“This application relates to a dwelling known as Ty'r Berllan which lies in a rural location to the east of the village of Llangwm 5 miles south of Usk.”

“The property is ndot within a flood plain, is not a listed building, nor is it within a Conservation Area or a National Lanscape. It is however located within the Nutrient Sensitive Catchment Area of the River Usk Special Area of Conservation (SAC).”

“DM/2023/00795 The proposal involves the building of a retaining wall at the rear of the property to allow a level surface for safe access into and out of the house. The level surface will contain a small patio area and the rest will be grassed as per the submitted drawings. There will be steps built at the back to allow a safe point of access. Railings will be installed around the perimeter, on top of the wall to ensure area is safe and secure. Approved 20.09.2023”

“DC/2012/00518 Breach of condition 5 of planning permission A31210 (Certificate of Lawfulness to demonstrate failure to comply with an agricultural occupancy condition) Approved 24.08.2012”

“Ty'r Berllan is a domestic two-storey modern dwelling, therefore in this context a patio (which is a domestic feature) and garden area is considered to be in keeping with the site. The size of the patio and garden are considered proportionate to the dwelling. A post and rail fence will be erected to separate the garden area the adjacent agricultural land. This type of enclosure is typically used to retain stock and is appropriate in this rural setting.”

“On the basis of the above, it is considered that the development will not have an adverse impact on the valued Monmouthshire landscape at a localised and wider scale. The scale of development in the context of the property and land holding is proportionate and is considered to adhere with the relevant criteria of policies DES1 and EP1.”

“It is proposed that native hedgerow planting is undertaken on the south-eastern boundary and the northern/ eastern corners of the site. The submitted Green Infrastructure Statement details acceptable management of the hedgerow. The 'Existing and Proposed Site Block Plan' by Griffiths Design also details the provision of bat and bird boxes on site. These can be secured via condition…”

“Attenuation calculations indicate that sufficient storage has been provided for a 1 in 100 year rainfall event, including 40% climate change and 10% urban creep. In order to ensure surface water does not leave the site down the steep slope to neighbouring properties, it should be ensured that all weep holes from the retaining wall are picked up by the proposed pipe and trench drainage strategy.”

“Councillors would like to strongly express that there is concern for the drainage on this Planning Permission and it is understood investigations are currently taking place into this. The Council is aware there has historically been some drainage issues on a neighbouring property and requests this be taken into account. The Council does not object to the proposal but are concerned that the Planning Permission should result in a good conclusion for all concerned.”

“MCC Biodiversity - No objections subject to condition securing net gain for biodiversity.”

“We considered the report of the application and late correspondence which was recommended for approval subject to the conditions outlined in the report.”

“In noting the detail of the application and the views expressed, it was proposed by County Councillor Jayne McKenna and seconded by County Councillor Emma Bryn that application DM/2024/01294 be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report.”

“Upon being put to the vote, the following votes were recorded:”

“For approval - 16 Against approval - 0 Abstentions - 0”