Present: G. Willcox (Chair), M. Colman (Vice Chair), D. Creed and 15 parishoners.
Apologies: M. Heal, J. Gane, (Harvesting), A. Creed (for co-option as he missed the deadline for submitting Election Papers) due to illness.
Declarations of Interest: A. Creed re Planning 2022/0917/FUL (related to the Applicant).
Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.
Public Speaking-Time.
Fifteen Parishoners present expressed valid concerns re Planning 2022/0898/FUL, Erection of Barn with associated yard/parking area/Land at 354465 138961/Gory Lane (Laurel Lane ) supported by Letters of Objection to the Planning Application on points of validity, (the Town and Country Planning Act General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 , Article B (a) which permits the EXTENSION or Alteration of an Agricultural Building but does not allow a new-build; Access and visibility on a single track with water ditches either side and sharp, blind corners with no passing places, exiting onto the A361 where there is an S bend with a busy MOT Garage and Forecourt and houses either side (to date when larger vehicles and trailers have attempted to use the Lane damage to cars, property and boundaries have occurred, including a BT Cable), (N.B. a smaller vehicle has to collect refuse as standard size vehicles cannot negotiate the Lane), severe subsidence in the dead-end lane both on the road surface and verges which has caused flooding in the past as the land is situated on the Somerset Levels (this land supports an underground water main), the Environmental Impact to local fauna and flora, visual impact of the proposed by height, light and noise pollution and inaccuracies presented in the Plans. N.B. Entrance and Exit gate appears to have been placed without permission. Concerns were expressed re the use of steel though government Guidelines indicate there should be a reduction in it's use, including agriculture and the fact this is an enclosed barn purported to be for storing Hay Bales (potential fire risk), Agricultural Machinery and possibly A/Animal Feed and B/occasionally, that temporary accommodation may be required if animals are sick or giving birth or newly born or to shelter from extreme weather though this contradicts the statement that the barn will not be used for housing livestock. It should further be noted the floorspace involves the loss, gain or change of use of the non residential floorspace but does NOT include or exclude Class C3 Dwellinghouses. It was noted the proposed seems too large for the field of 6.34 acres. It was further noted Access 5.2 is stated incorrectly: The speed limit on the A361 is 30MPH but the National Speed Limit applies in Laurel Lane. It also states there is excellent visibility exiting the site from both directions but this is not so (supported by photographs presented). Exiting Laurel Lane is 'tight' especially by any large vehicle with machinery or a trailer hitched on behind and visibility from the junction to Glastonbury is very poor. The visibility display is 2m at the most making it hazardous for such vehicles exiting or entering from or on the A361. Concerns also re the suggested 5m wide track on the site which would be made of permeable surface gravel. There is a high likelihood of it coming off vehicle tyres and into the Lane causing a general highway hazard. NB the lane is used by walkers and wheelchair users.
The Planning Application was not supported by a Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Survey/Assessment (Deer are frequently seen on this Land), or an Agricultural Appraisal. It should be further noted it has been stated the proposal will not involve the carrying out of industrial or commercial activities and processes or involve the storage or use of hazardous substances. It was stated there has not been a site-meeting as this has been deemed to be visible from the road/public footpath/bridleway or other public land.
It was noted lastly that searches of the Applicant with Companies House have been fruitless though it appears the address of the Agent. This lacks clarity as to the true intent of the proposed of which a barn of this size is not justified by the size of the land.
Matters arising - Nil.
Correspondence - circulated. No further action.
Finance: Accounts presented for inspection.
Bank Balance 18.05.2022 - £12,260.22.
Planning:-
1. 2022/0917/FUL Change of Use from an existing agricultural Barn to a residential dwelling/Land at 356947 138010 Down Lane - Due to one councillor declaring an Interest re the planning by virtue of being related it was Proposed, seconded and passed the decision be left to the Planning Officer.
2. 2022/0898/FUL Erection of a Barn with associated yard/parking area/Land at 354465 138961 Gory Lane (Laurel Lane).
It was Proposed, Seconded and Passed Recommend Refusal following observations raised during Public Speaking-time and lengthy perusal and discussion of the proposed .
Highways Matters: Bradley Way now in a precarious state - same to be reported to SCC Highways with the request for warning signage to be erected.
There being no further business the meeting was closed.