Issue - meetings

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) in respect of this application which had been the subject of a site visit on 20 July 2015.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.

            The officer detailed the background to the report and explained that the application was for 52 additional pitches on the existing caravan park.  The main issues to consider were the principle of development in relation to policy T5 of the Unitary Development Plan and the landscape impact, both of which were covered in the report.  Conditions had been included to ensure that the caravans were only used for holiday purposes but the officer added that this would not be an issue as the operator did not permit permanent use of the caravans. 

            Mr. D. Middleton, the agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the application.  He said that the application was to extend the five star award winning holiday park by providing 52 additional units on the southern element of the site.  The location was adjacent to the existing park and consisted of a high quality, low density layout which would integrate into the countryside.  A landscaping and screening scheme was proposed and Mr. Millington indicated that planting would take place in year one of the scheme.  On the issue of the impact of the proposal, no objections had been received from statutory consultees.  It was anticipated that the economic benefits would be significant, the direct and indirect tourist spend being approximately £520,000 per annum and was one of the major employers in the area.  He added that this would add to the sustainability of the park and the application complied with local and national policy.                               

            Councillor Derek Butler proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He felt that the proposal greatly enhanced tourism in Flintshire.  It was expected that the site would contribute £520,000 to benefit the local economy.  He was mindful of the scale but this had been well addressed by the officer.  Additional planting was to be included on the site and any caravans that were to be partially visible would be painted in colours that would make them less prominent in the landscape. 

            Councillor Chris Bithell said that the applicant had worked closely with planning officers on the scheme and additional landscaping would enhance and screen the site.       

RESOLVED:

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).