Agenda item

054863 - A - Full Application - Change of Use of Disused Quarry to Country Park Incorporating Heritage Attraction, Recreational Uses and Visitor Centre with Associated Parking at Fagl Lane Quarry, Fagl Lane, Hope

Decision:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following:

 

            The applicant entering into a Section 106 Obligation/Unilateral Undertaking to provide the following:

 

(a)  Payment of £3,000 as a contribution to the costs of the formulation of a Traffic Regulation Order to restrict flows along Pigeon House Lane.  Such sum payable before the first use of the development; and

(b)  In addition, a Deed of Variance or replacement S.106 in respect of aftercare arrangements and management for the site will be required.

 

And subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).

Minutes:

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. 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. 

                       

                        Full planning permission was sought for the change of use of the former quarry via the creation of a historically themed country park with a scaled reception of a Roman Fort and Iron Age Village, and a visitor centre set within, and straddling the boundaries of a former gravel extraction site in the Alyn Valley.  This would entail the restoration of land within the former quarry for purposes including ecological mitigation land, arable and pastoral use.

 

                        Mr T. Stevens spoke in support of the application on the following grounds: Park in the Past was a not for profit community Interest Company committed to providing benefits to the local community with profits being reinvested into the business; arson, fly tipping and vandalism had occurred on the site since the quarry had ceased operation; unauthorised fishing and horse riding had also taken place - North Wales Police were aware of these activities and supported this application; allows sustainable investment and employment of staff; recreation and education benefits of the centre; safe wildlife haven; support from the Ramblers’ Association; community fishing scheme on the lake supported by National Resources Wales; new visitor centre and café and educational talks; financial support from Barclays Bank and the National Lottery; and it was a signature project for the County and North Wales.

 

                        The Housing and Planning Solicitor advised that the corporate make-up of the applicant was not a relevant consideration for the committee.

 

                        Councillor Butler proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He commented that the application was for an ambitious project which was transformational for the area and inspirational, creating a major visitor attraction to the County.  It was an educational benefit for school children and would provide contributions to the leisure profile of Flintshire.  Any activities undertaken on the lake would be policed with the site being managed correctly.

 

                        Councillor Bithell supported the proposal which would result in current problems on the site ceasing.  He also welcomed the application on the basis of educational merit and being a tourist attraction.

 

                        Councillor Dunbar also welcomed the application which was supported by the local community.  He commented on the protection of wildlife alongside attracting visitors to the site.

 

                        Councillor Thomas welcomed the report but raised a concern on the impacts to properties on the North Side of the site from any activities undertaken on the lake.  The officer explained that condition number 25 was ‘No motorised water craft vehicles to be used upon the lake’ which would ensure there was no adverse effect on amenity of noise.

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            That planning permission be granted subject to the following:

 

            The applicant entering into a Section 106 Obligation/Unilateral Undertaking to provide the following:

 

(a)  Payment of £3,000 as a contribution to the costs of the formulation of a Traffic Regulation Order to restrict flows along Pigeon House Lane.  Such sum payable before the first use of the development; and

(b)  In addition, a Deed of Variance or replacement S.106 in respect of aftercare arrangements and management for the site will be required.

 

And subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).

Supporting documents: