Agenda item

The following application will be considered in the morning session starting at 11am:

1.  22/02863/FUL - Mill Barn, Millards Hill, Welton, Midsomer Norton

The Committee considered:

A report by the Head of Planning and an update report in relation under the site visit applications list.

Oral statements by members of the public and representatives. A copy of the

speakers’ list is attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the site visit decisions list attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

(1)  22/02863/FUL - Mill Barn, Millards Hill, Welton, Midsomer Norton

The Case Officer introduced the report which considered an application for the erection of an external classroom, consisting of natural rendered

clay bricks to form landscaping wall, pizza oven & rainwater collection

with arrayed valleyed roof.  She confirmed the officer recommendation was to permit the application.

The following public representations were received:

1.  Charlotte Lucas, applicant, in support of the application.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed.

1.  Parents/carers could drive into the school site to drop off/pick up students and did not need to wait on the highway. 

2.  The current vehicle movements peaked at 8am with 83 movements and officers would expect the increase of 8 pupils and 2 full time members of staff to result in a corresponding increase. 

3.  The proposals for a staggered drop/off pick up time would be included in the details of the travel plan which was a condition of the consent.  The details of the travel plan would be assessed by officers.

4.  The parking provision was considered to be acceptable to meet the additional demand relating to this application for an increase of 8 pupils and 2 full time members of staff.

5.  The local bus services had been considered by officers and found to have marginal impact in relation to the development.

6.  Although there was mention in the report that the application was the first stage of a masterplan for the site, a decision could only be made in relation to the current application and future applications would be considered on their merits. 

7.  The design of the roof was considered to be appropriate; the form was open rather than fully enclosed. 

8.  There would be some harm to the listed building, but this was considered to be less than substantial and would be outweighed by the public benefit.

Cllr Shaun Hughes opened the debate as ward member.  He stated that he had no concerns about the proposed structure, but that there was a need to manage the transport issues and maintain a balance between the needs of the business and local residents.  He welcomed the travel plan and proposals to stagger drop off and pick up times and hoped that the use of the nearby cycle track would also be encouraged.  He also encouraged the applicant to have more dialogue with local residents, especially regarding transport.  He concluded that, on balance, the benefits outweighed the harm.

Cllr Duncan Hounsell proposed the officer recommendation that permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.  This was seconded by Cllr Shelley Bromley who agreed that the public benefits of the application outweighed any harm. 

On being put to the vote the motion was CARRIED (10 in favour, 0 against UNANIMOUS)

RESOLVED  that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.