Agricultural polytunnel at Field Off Of Pen-y-Wal Road Known As Six Bells Nurseries, Graigwen

What was proposed

The application sought a second polytunnel for growing young plants for commercial sale, measuring 20 metres by 9 metres and up to 3.65 metres high.

“Full planning permission is sought for the provision of a polytunnel in a field off Pen-y- Wal Road, Graigwen for the growing of young plants for commercial sale.”

“The application details that the polytunnel would be located to the south-west of an existing polytunnel at the site, for which it would run parallel to and occupy the same…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is agricultural land on the edge of Graigwen, with an existing polytunnel, a single-track road, a Special Landscape Area and protected tree boundaries.

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/1103/FUL REPORT Pant-y-Wal Road relates to an adopted, single-track road that links with Graigwen Road to the south-west.”

“The entire agricultural unit is located within an identified Special Landscape Area (Cwm Clydach) and within a Sandstone Resource Region. The fields are also marked by boundaries which are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO 164 - 2024).”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier polytunnel was approved, while applications for a barn, shipping containers and additional polytunnels were refused or required prior approval that was refused.

“24/1026/AGR: The proposed barn is a single-storey agricultural building designed with practical and functional layouts to support specific agricultural and operational needs. planned with dimensions of 8.8 meters in height, 11.8 meters in width, and 30 meters in length, providing ample space for its respective functions.”

“23/0453/DEM: Dark green appearance, non-permanence, movability, and temporary use is perfect for the setting and proposed temporary use until that approved use comes to an end. Temporary safe storage of agricultural tools, materials and vehicles. 3 x 20ft Dark Green Shipping Container for Agricultural Use. Positioned within field which is out of sight. Prior Approval Required and Prior Approval is Refused, 12/05/2023”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, public health, ecology, trees and flooding consultees raised no objection, with highways and ecology requesting conditions.

“Highways and Transportation: No objection, subject to condition.”

“Public Health and Protection: No objection.”

Officer report

What people said

Ten objections cited biodiversity, appearance, amenity, traffic, road safety, cumulative development and over-development; three supporters cited local plants and economic benefits.

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/1103/FUL REPORT • The structure may affect the privacy, light and general amenity of nearby residents; • The applicant has ignored planning laws and the area is now no more than a disgusting blot on our landscape; • The structure is incongruous with the area and the Local Development Plan; • The existing commercial enterprise at the site does not benefit or serve the local community directly; • The existing polytunnel has generated increased pressures…”

“When will it end? • The cumulative effect of multiple polytunnels would be harmful, intrusive, and entirely out of keeping with the character of the area; • The proposal represents clear over-development of the site. The scale and appearance of an additional polytunnel would erode the open, green nature of the field and set an undesirable precedent for further structures of this type.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor spoke for the local member and raised concerns, while the Head of Planning presented a late objection letter from Friends of Graigwen Forest.

The committee debate

A motion to hold a site visit was proposed and seconded but failed.

“The Head of Planning presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Housing and Regeneration.”

“(Note: A motion was seconded to hold a site visit but failed)”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the recommendation, and Councillor W Owen recorded a vote against approval.

“(Note: County Borough Councillor W Owen wished to have recorded that he voted against the approval of the above-mentioned application)”

Minutes

The conditions

The permission required development within five years, compliance with approved plans, a five-year grassland management plan and no direct retail sales.

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of five years from the date of this permission.”

“No development works shall commence on site until a 5 Year Grassland Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The biodiversity enhancement measure shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.”

Officer report