Agenda and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider and determine the attached Schedule of Planning Applications submitted by the Executive Director.

The Committee was invited to determine the following applications which had been adjourned from the meeting held on Monday 1 August 2016, and had been the subject of site inspections held earlier that day:

(i)        15/02026/FM

            Sedgeford:  Land at former Whin Close, Docking Road:  Proposed poultry unit:  Newcome Baker Farms Ltd

The Senior Planner reminded Members of the various points where the Committee had stopped and looked at the site, which included opposite Norfolk Heights and Fring Church.

Councillor Tyler stated that he was grateful to have had a chance to view the proposed site, which he considered was in a remote location and did not impinge on any dwelling near to the site.  He could not see any reason to refuse the application.

Councillor Crofts added that he was also grateful to have seen the site from the various locations.  He also could not see any planning reason to refuse the application and therefore supported the application.

Councillor Mrs Wright asked where the excrement would be located.  In response, the Senior Planner advised that this was not known at this stage as it would be covered by a permit issued by the Environment Agency.

Councillor Mrs Wright added that if the excrement was placed outside the chicken sheds and there was heavy rain, then nitrate could seep into the ground.   She added that this was a major application and farmers had a restriction on the amount of nitrate that could be in soil.  She also asked where the fans would be located.  She added that there had been over 5,000 signatures and all Parish Councils within the vicinity were against this proposal.

The Senior Planner explained that the Environmental Permit would cover most of the issues raised by Councillor Mrs Wright.

Councillor Mrs Wright went on to explain that there were some areas of West Norfolk which were more suited to an application of this nature.  She added that the site was close to an AONB, and there were gently rolling countryside which offered peace and tranquillity.  There were also walkers which used Peddars Way, which ran at the rear of the site.

She explained that she objected to the application for 3 reasons:

·        The effect the proposal would have on the open countryside;

·        The site was on the edge of an AONB;

·        The proposal would be contrary to CS06, CS08 and the Core Strategy.

She therefore proposed that the application be refused, which was seconded by Councillor Mrs Westrop.

Councillor Mrs Watson stated that not all Parish Councils in the vicinity were against the proposal.

Councillor Wareham made reference to the airfield and its current state of disrepair, and added that there had been no preservation of the site for years and now suddenly it had become of great interest to people.  He added that this country should be producing more of its own products rather than importing.  Councillor Wareham added that he had been on the site visit today and could not see where  ...  view the full minutes text for item PC2: