Issue - meetings

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Councillor D Brown (the Ward Councillor), Councillor D Martin (on behalf of Congleton Town Council), and Mr T Byrne, Mr P Coleshaw, Mr P Bona and Dr R Garnsey

 (objectors) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.  Mr I Pick (agent) had registered his intention to address the Committee on this matter but did not speak.

The Committee considered a report regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That on the basis of:

(a)  concerns raised in late representations in relation to:

-          the GCN survey and information to show that badgers use the site;

-          the lack of information to demonstrate the business is actually viable and can finance the labour requirements which will be needed for the unit

-          the absence of a full MEXE Assessment report on the canal bridge

(b)  the planning officer’s verbal recommendation for refusal, contrary to the recommendation for approval as set out in the committee report and updates

the application be REFUSED for the following reasons:

1. Notwithstanding the submitted Great Crested Newt Population Size Class Assessment Survey dated May 2007 and the letter dated 12^th August 2009 which updates that report the submission fails to demonstrate that the provision of the poultry unit and the use of the adjoining land by free range chickens will not adversely affect the favourable conservation status of Great Crested Newts. Further the submissions fail to recognise the badger paths across the site and take this into consideration. To allow the development would be contrary to policy NR.2 (Wildlife and Nature Conservation) of the adopted Congleton Borough Local Plan First Review.

2. Insufficient information is submitted with the viability assessment to satisfactorily demonstrate that the unit can support the cost of the labour required for the unit bearing in mind the long hours required for this type of operation. It is considered that more than one employee would be required. To allow the development would be contrary to policy BH13 (New Agricultural Buildings) of the adopted Congleton Borough Local Plan First Review.

3. Insufficient information, specifically an up to date MEXE assessment, is required to show that the canal bridge can accommodate the weight of the vehicles generated by the poultry unit without damage to the listed canal bridge. To allow the development would be detrimental to the Grade II listed structure and contrary to policy BH4 of the Congleton Borough Local Plan First Review.