Agenda item

11.1  13C183E/ENF – Bodlas, Bodedern

11.1 13C183E/ENF – Full application for the retention of the use of a static caravan for residential purposes by a rural enterprise worker for a temporary period of 3 years on land at Bodlas, Bodedern

The application was presented to the Planning and Orders Committee as the applicant is a ‘relevant officer’ as defined within paragraph 4.6.10 of the Council’s Constitution.  The application has been scrutinised by the Monitoring Officer as required under paragraph 4.6.10.4 of the Constitution.

The Planning Development Manager reported that the planning application is for the retention of the use of a static caravan for residential purposes by a rural enterprise worker for a temporary period of 3 years.  She noted that the applicant’s long term aim is to secure planning permission for a permanent dwelling on site for a rural enterprise worker on a full time basis.   The Authority’s Agricultural Advisors have discussed the application but so far they are unable to be satisfied that the proposal would maintain a full time rural enterprise worker.  However, if the business develops in accordance with the Business Plan submitted by the applicant, it would sustain a rural enterprise worker on a full time basis.   The Planning Development Manager said that as it has been confirmed in the application that the static caravan on site has been occupied since December 2016 and this period of occupation will need to be taken into account in determining the duration of the temporary permission.  The recommendation is of approval for a temporary period of 2 years which will allow the applicant sufficient time to demonstrate a need for a permanent dwelling on the site in accordance with the requirements of TAN 6 as noted within the report. 

Councillor K P Hughes said that he supported the application but any agricultural initiative needs appropriate time to sustain such a venture.   Councillor Hughes proposed that the application be approved for a period of 3 years from the date of this meeting.  Councillor Eric W Jones seconded the proposal.  The Planning Development Manager responded that the recommendation is to approve the application for 2 years based on the fact that the rural enterprise is currently being established and the static caravan has been on site for over 12 months.  TAN 6 is clear that a temporary period of 3 years should be afforded in such an application. 

Councillor Shaun Redmond questioned if the Business Plan submitted by the application given confidence that the business will be able to expand to address the requirements for a permanent dwelling on site for a rural enterprise worker as the applicant is in full time employment elsewhere.  The Planning Development Manager responded that should be business develop in accordance with the Business Plan then the rural enterprise should be able to sustain a full time worker which would comply with planning guidelines in TAN 6.

Councillor T Ll Hughes MBE proposed that the application be approved as noted within the report.  Councillor Robin Williams seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions contained within the written report.