Agenda item

Approved subject to conditions.

Erection of 103,607sqm of polytunnels and associated infrastructure to include alterations to farm access road, hardstanding for car park and service yard and attenuation basins

The Principal Planning Officer joined the meeting remotely and advised that planning permission had been granted for a previous application on the site in August 2021. The existing farm track provided access to the site which consisted of 3 relatively flat arable fields. There were woods to the north, east and south of the site. The proposal was an amendment to the extant permission which included a cut and fill scheme (to create flatter plateaus for the polytunnels) and soil would not need to be removed from the site. The northern SUDs basins were to be enlarged and the main area of hardstanding reduced in size. Some of the hardstanding provided would utilise gravel which was more permeable than concrete. The applicants now sought to provide heating for the polytunnels, but this would only be used for frost protection. A new trackway would also be provided across the northern edge of the site.

The Principal Planning Officer drew Members’ attention to an error in the report, in paragraph 8.15 it stated that comments were awaited from Highways, which was not correct as Highways had commented and raised no objections. It was highlighted that the majority of the site was not in Hackleton and Grange Park ward as stated in the report and was in the Bugbrooke ward.

In response to Members’ enquiries, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the heating would be used infrequently and was not connected to the mains.

Further to concerns regarding the visual impact of the proposal on the village of Roade, Members were shown the modelled visual representations of the polytunnels on the landscape from a distance. The existing hedgerows would be enhanced and along the southern edge they would be allowed to grow tall. The trees that would be planted would be natives and condition 17 provided details. A note had been added to the application to ensure that the screening would be as effective as possible.

Stacey Rawlings, the Agent, addressed the Committee and advised that the hedgerows would grow up to 5 metres at some points. Tree planting would be taking place across the whole estate in the next 2 to 3 months.

Further to enquiries, the Agent advised that a route management strategy was already in place for the adjacent poultry farm and as it was a controlled system it was known when deliveries or collections were being made. A request was made for a left-hand sign directing drivers to the A508 to be installed. The Agent advised that the proposed polytunnel system had been being tested for 10 years. It was not viable to have a ground source heat pump at the site due to the archaeology.

Councillor Stephen Clarke, the local ward Member, highlighted that Quinton parish Council had raised concerns regarding highway safety issues. Having discussed the matter with Highways it had been agreed that a 7-and-a-half-ton weight restriction would be placed on the road, although this limit would not apply for vehicles needing to access property or land along the route (including the proposed development).

Councillor David James proposed the application be approved as it was important for the economy and in order to provide food, Councillor James also welcomed the fact that it would be a cut and fill site. The proposition was seconded by Councillor Charles Manners and on being put to the meeting was declared carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

That the Assistant Director for Planning be given delegated powers to grant permission, subject to the conditions set out in the report (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary).