Agenda item

12.1  HHP/2020/37 – Y Bwthyn, Llanddaniel

https://ioacc.force.com/s/papplication/a1G4H00000Izfh2UAB/hhp202037?language=en_GB

12.2  FPL/2020/71 – Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni, Cildwrn Road, Llangefni

https://ioacc.force.com/s/papplication/a1G4H00000MffKUUAZ/fpl202071?language=en_GB

12.3  FPL/2020/70 – Ysgol Llanfawr, Holyhead

https://ioacc.force.com/s/papplication/a1G4H00000MffEMUAZ/fpl202070?language=en_GB

12.1    HHP/2020/37 – Full application for the erection of a private garage at Y Bwthyn, Llanddaniel

The application was presented to the Planning and Orders Committee having been called in for the Committee’s consideration by a Local Member because it was felt the proposal complies with policies of the Joint Local Development Plan.

Councillor Robin Williams stated that as he now realised he was acquainted with the applicant he would not be taking part in the discussion or voting on the application.

The Development Management Manager reported that this is a retrospective application to retain a private garage at Y Bwthyn, Llanddaniel. The applicant confirms that the building is for private use and is required to house classic vehicles and a larger campervan which is owned by the applicant. The application site is located within a Special Landscape Area; the subject building in terms of scale, height and appearance is industrial and is typical of buildings that can be seen on industrial estates. Additionally, it is higher and has a greater floor area than the main dwelling house known as Y Bwthyn. Whilst there is no objection to the principle of the development, it is the Officer’s opinion that due to its industrial appearance and its height and scale the proposal is out of keeping with its context and does not complement or enhance the character of the site and is therefore contrary to Strategic Policy PS5, Policy PCYFF1 and Policy PCYFF3 of the Joint Local Development Pan. On this basis the recommendation is one of refusal.  One letter of objection to the proposal has been received which cites scale, appearance and location as the reasons for objecting.

Councillor Eric Wyn Jones, a Local Member spoke in support of the application and said  that the key issue is the proposal’s compliance with policies of the JLDP. It was his opinion that the proposed garage is suitably located in and amongst other dwellings on both sides and, being well screened by trees and shrubs, it is not visible from the road. A commercial bus and taxi business is run nearby which includes a large vehicle maintenance shed. The application is for a garage not commercial building which will sit tidily in its corner without impeding on anyone. Given that the applicant’s interest lies with classic vehicles the countryside location is essential for the proposal and is supported by Policy PCYFF1. Councillor Eric Jones referred further to Policies PCYFF2, PCYFF3, AMG2 and PPW and explained how he thought these policies supported the proposed development in terms of location, sustainability and in respecting the character of the surrounding area. Had he not believed this then he would not have called-in the application, nor would he be supporting it. The proposal meets the necessary requirements; the garage is needed to preserve vehicles which are of historical as well as monetary value. He therefore proposed that the application be approved contrary to the Officer’s recommendations.

Councillor Kenneth Hughes thought that the suitability of the proposed garage within its setting is a matter of opinion and that it can be justified on the basis of policy. He noted further that the Community Council has not raised an objection to the proposal. He therefore seconded Councillor Eric Jones’s proposal that the application be approved. Councillor Bryan Owen thought likewise and referred to buildings of a similar scale and appearance on the neighbouring site.

Councillor Dafydd Roberts said that the classic cars which the applicant wanted the garage to house could be accommodated by a more sympathetically designed building more appropriate to its location and purpose as a private garage than that proposed and that he was surprised by the scale of the building. The fact that there are various industrial type buildings on the neighbouring site which stores buses and  regarding which there have been complaints, is no justification for another unsightly building. He added that he did not believe that the Community Council had had the opportunity to meet and properly discuss the application and that information may have been circulated amongst members only. Councillor Dafydd Roberts proposed that the application be refused in line with the Officer’s recommendation.

Councillor John Griffith agreed and said that the proposal could be refused on several policy grounds e.g. Policy PCYFF1 which requires that a proposal demonstrates that its location in the countryside is essential. That does not hold true in the case of the application as the applicant has confirmed that the vehicles are currently being stored in the owner’s yard elsewhere on the Island and that some would remain there. Neither does the proposal satisfy the expectations of Policy PCYFF3 that all proposals demonstrate high quality design which fully takes into account the natural, historic and built environmental context and contributes to the creation of attractive, sustainable places nor Policy AMG2 which requires that appropriate consideration should be given to the scale and nature of a development to ensure it does not adversely impact on the landscape. Further, paragraph 6.1.6 of Planning Policy Wales specifies the appearance and function of a development, its scale and relationship with its surroundings as material considerations in determining an application. The proposed building is not an ordinary garage by virtue of its size and appearance and as the report states it is more akin to an industrial building which is out of keeping with the Special Landscape Area in which it is located and which the Committee should be seeking to preserve for the future. He therefore seconded Councillor Dafydd Roberts’s proposal of refusal.

In the ensuing vote on the matter, the proposal to refuse the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation was carried.

It was resolved to refuse the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation for the reason stated within the written report.

12.2    FPL/2020/71 – Full application for an extension containing a lift at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni, Cildwrn Road, Llangefni

The application was presented to the Planning and Orders Committee as the Isle of Anglesey County Council is the applicant and landowner.

Having declared a prejudicial interest in this matter Councillors Vaughan Hughes and Bryan Owen did not take part in the discussion nor voting thereon.

The Development Management Manager reported that the application is for the erection of 2 storey, flat roof extension on the south eastern block of the school to provide a lift for pupils and staff to facilitate access to the first floor. No objections to the proposal have been raised locally. The proposal is considered acceptable in policy terms; the extension will fit in with the existing building without harming the amenities of nearby residential properties. The recommendation is therefore to approve the application.

Councillor Robin Williams proposed, seconded by Councillor Richard O. Jones that the application be approved in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.

It was resolved to approve the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation and report subject to the planning conditions listed therein.

12.3    FPL/2020/70 – Full application for an extension containing a platform lift at Ysgol Llanfawr, Holyhead

The application was presented to the Planning and Orders Committee as the Isle of Anglesey County Council is the applicant and landowner.

Having declared a prejudicial interest in this matter, Councillor Glyn Haynes did not take part in the discussion and voting thereon.

The Development Management Manager reported that the application is for alterations and extension so as to erect a 3 storey flat roof extension within a corner of the existing U-shaped building to incorporate a lift to provide greater accessibility for people using the school. The proposed development is considered acceptable in policy terms and the extension will integrate well into the existing building’s character and appearance. Dŵr Cymru has now provided observations in response to the application and proposes an additional condition with regard to water drainage. The recommendation is to approve the application.

Councillor Kenneth Hughes proposed, seconded by Councillor Eric Jones that the application be approved in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.

It was resolved to approve the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation and report subject to the planning conditions listed therein and with an additional condition in relation to water drainage.