RM

DECISION: REFUSE (FULL PLANNING)

The Planning Committee had visited the site which was for retrospective planning permission to create a widened access to the field including twin track.  The site formed part of a Grade II Listed property called “The Oast” which was originally part of a farmstead set on the northern side of Brightling Road.  The property was accessed along a shared tarmacked driveway off Brickyard Lane which consisted of “The Oast”, plus several outbuildings, a surrounding garden and neighbouring fields.  The site was located within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Rother District Boundary.  The officer’s opinion was that the proposal would allow the Applicant to empty and maintain the sewage treatment tank, provide better access to manage the agricultural land and would not have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the locality or highway safety.

The Planning Committee heard from the Applicant’s Agent who provided information on the Applicant’s reasons for needing a new track and access and what it would be specifically used for.  They also heard from one of the local Ward Members who was not supportive of the scheme.  Consideration was also given to the comments made by Brightling Parish Council as detailed within the report.

After deliberation, the Planning Committee felt that there was not sufficient justification for the construction of a track as the sewage tank was able to be accessed during the summer months, when the ground was hard, for emptying as was typical for many rural properties and agricultural vehicles were able to access the field as they were designed for this purpose.  It would also have an unnecessary impact on the AONB contrary to Policies OSS4 and EN1 of the Rother Local Plan Core Strategy and Policies DEN1 and DEN2 of the Development and Site Allocations Local Plan.  Therefore, the Planning Committee resolved to refuse full planning permission.

Councillor Stevens moved the motion to REFUSE (Full Planning) and this was seconded by Councillor Errington.  The motion was declared CARRIED (unanimous).

REASON FOR REFUSAL:

1.     The requirement for a surfaced track as proposed has not been demonstrated or justified.  It is not necessary for a surfaced track to be provided to maintain the agricultural field nor for the very infrequent, likely only once a year, emptying of the sewage treatment tank.  The track is an incongruous feature and would result in a scar on the landscape, harmful to the natural landscape character and scenic beauty of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural beauty, contrary to Policies OSS4 and EN1 of the Rother Local Plan Core Strategy and Policies DEN1 and DEN2 of the Development and Site Allocations Local Plan.

NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK: In accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 38) and with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, the Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by identifying matters of concern with the proposal and determining the application within a timely manner, clearly setting out the reason for refusal, thereby allowing the Applicant the opportunity to consider the harm caused and whether or not it can be remedied as part of a revised scheme.