Minutes:
The Head of Planning Services presented this application for a change of use from agricultural to mixed agricultural and equestrian use.
The main issue with this application was the condition and width of the access, which did not give much opportunity for vehicles to pass.
The Head of Planning Services reported that if the change of use was permitted, it would be more difficult to argue against further expansion and development of the equestrian facilities at Rollestone Farm which could in turn increase the volume of the traffic.
The recommendation was for refusal.
Councillor Hobden attended the meeting and spoke on this item having given notice under Standing Order No. 44. She made the following points:-
· supported the officers’ recommendation
· the proposal would lead to an increase in traffic
· the track was too narrow and its condition was poor and would not be able to sustain an increase in usage
· if permission was given it would be difficult to resist further equestrian development.
Ms Russell spoke in opposition to the planning application. She made the following points:-
· Bridleway 8 and the Exeter Green Circular Route ran along part of the track to Rollestone Farm
· this proposed use would increase the use of an already inadequate access track, thus making it dangerous for riders, cyclists and walkers to use
· any change in use would reduce the amenity of the residents in the vicinity and those using the Bridleway and the Exeter Green Circular Route
· Members should consider the protection of the Bridleway 8 and the Green Circular Route.
Mr Firth (agent) spoke in support of the application. He made the following points:-
· the proposal would cause no change in the landscape
· the change of use was to allow the applicants to establish a breeding farm
· the track would be concreted and widened in parts to allow vehicles to pass.
In answer to a Member’s question Mr Firth confirm that the applicants would use their own stallions for breeding or frozen semen, and confirmed there was only one access to the property.
Some Members felt that the proposed use would not generate any more traffic than if it was a normal working farm, whilst other Members had concerns regarding the future use of Rollestone Farm, the ability of the track to accommodate any increase in traffic and the amenity of, and danger to, users of Bridleway 8 and Exeter Green Circular Route.
RESOLVED that planning permission for change of use from agriculture to mixed agriculture and equestrian use be refused for the following conditions:
1) This application is contrary to polices CO1 & CO6 of Devon Structure Plan 2001–2016 and policies LS1 and DG1 of Exeter Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 because the proposals would be likely to result in alterations to the character of the landscape setting of the city which would be outside of the control of the Local Planning Authority.
2) Adequate information has not been submitted to satisfy the Local Planning Authority that the proposal is acceptable in terms of access, traffic generation / attraction and the effect on the adjacent highway / bridleway / footpath system, contrary to Policy TR10 of the Devon County Structure Plan.
3) The access route to the site is by reason of its inadequate width, poor horizontal and vertical alignment, unsuitable to accommodate the increase in traffic likely to be generated with consequent risk of additional danger to all users of the route, contrary to Policy TR10 of the Devon County Structure Plan.
4) The proposed development would result in an increase of vehicular traffic along a designated Bridleway with consequent loss of amenity and risk of additional danger and inconvenience to all users of the designated right of way contrary to Policy TR10 of the Devon County Structure Plan.