Agenda item

Erect extensions & alterations to existing Abattoir including associated drainage & landscaping works. Form car parking area.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Senior Planning Officer identified the site and explained the proposal, which included extending and alterations to, an existing abattoir in Bridport. The nearby listed buildings and Conservation Area were highlighted on a map and the public footpaths that run adjacent to the site were identified.

The elevation and floor plan of the existing building was shown, as well as the ancillary buildings. Photographs of various points around the site were shown to members, including the access to the site and nearby public footpaths, to give an indication of the presence of the site in the landscape.

It was explained that the proposal included an extension to the existing buildings to create a new facility, along with additional car parking around the site, with the access to remain the same. A new security building at the entrance to the site was proposed, in addition to landscaping works. Acoustic fencing was proposed to be erected around the site to mitigate against noise.

The proposed elevations were shown and the Senior Planning Officer noted that the proposed building would not be taller than the existing one, although the building would increase in volume. The visual impact of the site would be mitigated by the use of grey and green cladding on the exterior of the building. The proposed landscaping plan was shown to members, as well as the proposed elevations of the ancillary buildings.

The Senior Planning Officer explained that although the site was currently vacant, there was existing permission for the site to be used as an abattoir and benefits of the application included the ability to include conditions on the new permission that was being sought.

The key planning issues were summarised and it was considered that the application as a whole was acceptable subject to conditions.

Public representation was received in objection to the application from Mrs Harrop, Mrs Le Lievre and Mr Hine, who raised concerns about the increased level of traffic and HGV’s that would be passing though the village and the increase in noise, light and odour pollution.

The applicant, Mr Pickstock and Mr Bowditch spoke in support of the application, noting that the facility would mean that livestock wouldn’t have to travel out of the county and that it would provide jobs to the area.

In response to member’s questions the Senior Planning Officer provided the following responses:

·       Environmental permit regulations would apply.

·       A transport assessment had been submitted, which showed an acceptable level of vehicle movements.

·       The applicant had indicated that the maximum size of vehicle used by the site would be an HGV with a maximum length of 16.5m.

·       The nearest dwelling was approximately 200m away from the site, which was considered an acceptable distance.

·       The committee was not able to impose a condition that controlled what vehicles used the public highway.

One member raised concerns about the size of the development and whether it was appropriate for the location, however recognised the economic benefits of the proposal.

Proposed that permission be granted as per the officer recommendation (as per the update sheet) by Cllr Monks and seconded by Cllr Northam.

Decision: That authority be delegated to the Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement and the Area Manager for the Southern and Western Team (Development Management) to grant planning permission subject to:

- Completion of a S106 agreement to link the requirements of the existing S106 in respect of occupation of the existing dwelling to the current application.

- The planning conditions and informatives set out in the appendix to these minutes.