Issue - meetings

            That the application be refused on the grounds of irretrievable harm to the  character of the area, including the AONB, due to its visual impact, and the overbearing impact in relation to neighbouring properties. 

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning in respect of this application which had been the subject of a site visit on 18 February 2013.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.  Additional comments received since the preparation of the report were circulated at the meeting. 

                        The officer detailed the background to the report and provided further information about the height of the retaining walls and the level of the site which would require some filling.  He also drew Members’ attention to the two additional conditions proposed in the late observations. 

                        Mr. D. Fitzsimon, on behalf of the neighbouring owner, spoke against the application and raised concern about the design, the importation of materials to maximise the development potential of the site, and the impact on the character of the area generally and in relation to the adjoining haulage site.  He referred to Planning Policy Wales and commented on the duty to have regard to the area designated as the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  Mr. Fitzsimon spoke of the four metre retaining wall and said that an assessment had not been undertaken to establish whether this was sustainable and the impact that it would have on the character of the area.  He urged the Committee to refuse the application. 

                        Mr. M. Gilbert, agent on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application.  He said that there were already houses in the area at higher levels to those proposed on the site so the proximity to the AONB and the impact on its setting were no different for this development.  Mr. Gilbert confirmed that the existing boundary hedges were mostly to be retained andalso referred to the Committee’s determination of the previous item on the agenda which was also for a site of differing levels which had been permitted. 

            Councillor P.G. Heesom proposed refusal of the application against officer recommendation which was duly seconded.  He said that the application damaged the AONB and the landscape and the site was one of the last remaining pieces of open space in Gwernymyndd.  He said that, in taking into account the guidance in the policies, the overriding principle was the irreversible harm the application would have on the open site area.  He felt also that a danger would be created on the highway. 

            Councillor M.J. Peers said that the site visit had been useful particularly on the issue of the sloping site.  He referred to page 138 of the report where it was reported that on the north–west boundary of the site it was structurally practical for the retaining wall to be situated closer to the boundary.  However, he referred to an email which reported problems with the north eastern boundary of the site.  He raised concern at the proposal to include retaining walls and considered that a development should be drawn up to fit the topography of the site.

            The local Member, Councillor N.M. Matthews said that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 159