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Planning Reference – 200750

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Planning Officer:  Gavin Clark

The Committee heard from the Convener who began by welcoming those present at the remote hearing and provided information on the running order.  She explained that the first person to address the hearing would be Mr Gavin Clark, and asked that speakers adhere to their allocated time in order for the hearing to run smoothly and in a timely manner.

The Committee then heard from Mr Gavin Clark, Senior Planner, who addressed the Committee in the following terms:-

Mr Clark began his presentation by displaying a number of photos of the site in order to give members a better sense of the application site. 

Mr Clark explained that given the proposal was for planning permission in principle. The applicants had submitted a site plan which was merely for indicative purposes to demonstrate what could be accommodated on the site, with future applications required for the approval of matters specified in condition required to address aspects such as layout, siting and design of the proposed units and the layout of the proposed road. The indicative plan had the access in the western site of the site taking access from Binghill Road, with the main build elements located in the central, western and northern section of the site. The retirement home was shown as being located centrally within the site adjacent to the café, to the south of the existing Binghill House which was not proposed for development at this time. Mr Clark advised that it should be noted that this layout was for information purposes only and the planning authority were looking at the red line boundary only at this stage.

Mr Clark advised that the application constituted a major development and due to it being contrary to the principle policies of the local development plan required a Pre Determination Hearing. The proposal was subject to statutory pre-application consultation with applicants and officers presenting to the Pre Application Forum in September 2019. The Pre Application Consultation Report formed part of the current submission. Mr Clark intimated that no assessment of the merits or failings of the proposal were made within the report.

Mr Clark advised that the site was zoned as Green Belt and Green Space Network Policy and noted that Policy NE1 advised that:

·       Council would protect, promote and enhance the wildlife, access, recreation, ecosystem services and landscape value of the Green Space Network and

·       Proposals for development that were likely to destroy or erode the character and/ or function of the Green Space Network would not be permitted.

Mr Clark also indicated that Policy NE2 stated that “no development would be permitted in the Green Belt for purposes other than those essential for agriculture; woodland and forestry; recreational uses compatible with an agricultural or natural setting; mineral extraction/ quarry restoration; or landscape renewal”.

It is also stated that proposals for development associated with existing activities in the Green Belt would be permitted but only if all of the following criteria were met:

a) the development was within the boundary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.