The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning and Development.

In the absence of a representative of the Parish Council, Mr Dowle, a supporter of the application, addressed the meeting with the Chairman’s discretion.

Mr Hodson, the applicant, and Councillor Round (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting.

Contrary to the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Development, the Committee agreed to grant permission subject to conditions to be finalised by the Head of Planning and Development in consultation with Ward Members, the Chairman of the Committee and Councillors Brindle, Harwood, Munford and D Wilkinson.

In making this decision, Members considered that despite the policy considerations, in this particular case, due to the scale and massing of immediately adjacent development, the proposal would not have a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the countryside in this location.  There would also be benefits in terms of energy efficiency, renewables and good design to which Members had afforded weight.

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to conditions to be finalised by the Head of Planning and Development in consultation with Ward Members, the Chairman of the Committee and Councillors Brindle, Harwood, Munford and D Wilkinson; the conditions to cover standard matters plus, inter alia:

The quality of the detailing (brickwork, doors, rainwater goods etc.).

Materials (to ensure they are appropriate).

Renewables (air source heat pump and/or solar PV given the remote location and sustainability being a reason for the overturn).

Niches for wildlife (swift bricks in the eaves and bat tubes or bat bricks). External lighting (to reduce harm to the open countryside and protected species).

The long-term protection of the front boundary hedgerow and the implementation of a new native landscaping scheme.

The car parking area (materials and drainage).

A sustainable drainage approach (given the intensification of development).

Voting:  11 – For  1 – Against  1 – Abstention