Officer Report 3 May 2005

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:97114}} ### Considerations {{table:97111}} ### Written Representations ### Consultations {{table:97112}} {{table:97113}} ### Policy

Officer's Report

The site relates to Field 314939, Cronkdhoo Farm, Greeba.

Retrospective planning permission is sought for engineering works in part of the field adjacent to the access road. Mounded material has been moved to form a level area which it is proposed to use for tents.

Additional information was sought from the Agent following a site visit with Steve Olsen. A section drawing and landscaping scheme have now been submitted. Vehicular access will be possible via a new track but I have been informed that vehicles will not be parked on this area; the existing yard area will be used for cars. Pedestrian access is available to the area for the existing yard.

History

There have been a number of applications on this site, but the one which addressed the issue camping on the site is PA 01/45 for 'alterations to agricultural building to enable additional use for campsite facilities and dog kennels.' Advice was sought from Ken Gumbly and the Inspector set out his interpretation of whether camping was permitted and in what areas.

In summary, the Inspector concluded:

• “As far as the use of the farm for camping is concerned, the Planning Committee has already acknowledged that such facilities existed when they gave planning permission for a shower block in 1994.”
• “Clearly as that use does exist, campers are entitled to proper and reasonable on-site facilities.”
• The Inspect found that it was unreasonable to propose a condition which attempted to establish the extent of camping activities on the land. “If the Planning Committee consider the activities at the farm no not have a legitimate use, then they should take enforcement action.”

No enforcement action has been taken in respect of the use of the site for camping. It is judged that it would now be difficult to argue that tents cannot be erected below the main complex between the existing buildings and the road. It may however be reasonable to limit the use of the site to tents only, allowing vehicles to be parked in the existing yard area only. It is acknowledged however that a track is proposed which is intended to be used by bikes dropping off equipment etc.

The engineering works themselves appeared quite stark in the landscape when viewed from the road. However, the bank areas have now started to green up and the applicant has agreed to a planting scheme alongside the track to assist in screening. It is considered that the works whilst changing the slope of the field are acceptable. The soil bund that was at the top of the field previously was somewhat unsightly and the benefit is that this has now been removed as part of the ground works.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 29.04.2005

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal

• : Notes attached to refusals

C 1. This approval relates to the works as shown on drawing numbers 3978/1 Rev A, 3978/2 (location plan), 3978/2 (section drawing).

C 2. The site may only be used for agricultural purposes or for the pitching of tents for camping purposes.

C 3. (When maudes cos and was bit excludes bices) All motor vehicles with the exception of bikes must be parked within the main yard area to the north east of the site.

C 4. Within two months of the date that this decision becomes final there shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Authority a scheme of landscaping in respect of the planted screen area as indicated on drawing number 3978/1 Rev A.

C 5. All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of landscaping must be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the completion of the development. Any trees or plants which within a period of five years from the completion of the development die, are removed, or become seriously damaged or diseased must be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species.

Decision Made : Japanese Committee Meeting Date : 6-5-05

Application No: 042377	Page of
Views Expressed - Name	Invite	Inform
App	☑
Dot Highways	☑
German Comm	☑
M Comm (Int ?)	☑