Agenda item

To determine the application.

David Grant presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Matthew Hall, the agent. Mr Hall stated that on site at present there is a café, a shop selling various country goods, animal feeds, gifts and homeware and that business has been on site for approximately 8 years, with there already being parking on site and an existing access. He advised that the applicants have identified a need for this proposal in Chatteris and have already had a number of enquiries with regard to the dog grooming proposal following the application appearing in the Cambs Times in July and also from people visiting the site.

Mr Hall made the point that there are other dog exercise areas in March, Manea and Doddington which are popular. He stated there are no technical objections to this application, it is all in Flood Zone 1.

Mr Hall advised that queries were raised by the Highways Officer and they were given time to address these, which was gratefully received, and Highways have now come back and there is no objection, with the proposal being to upgrade the existing access slightly. He stated that the proposal will allow further expansion of an existing business, looking to employ further persons for maintenance and the dog grooming business, which, in his opinion, will complement the existing business.

Mr Hall expressed the view that the officer’s report sums up the application well, with a recommendation to approve. He referred to a comment by Chatteris Town Council about having 2 metre high industrial fencing set around, which has not been proposed as, in his opinion, it would stick out being next to a very prominent road and they have worked with the officer, receiving suggestions on fencing, which they have took on board.

Members asked questions of Mr Hall as follows:

·       Councillor Meekins referred to Chatteris Town Council wanting a 2 metre high fence but 1.8 metre is considered high enough and asked about their proposal for the double gate system of access to each of the areas? Mr Hall responded that the gated system is set back so people can pull off the road, he believes users will book online and they will then receive a code for the gate to open it. Councillor Meekins sought clarification that this was the access to the two fields for dog exercising? Mr Hall indicated it was, making the point that the main access from the main road will always be open.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Benney stated that whilst this is in Manea parish now it is nearer to Chatteris, he knows the site well and these dog exercise facilities seem to be cropping up everywhere. He welcomes this application, it is a further development of the business and another service being offered and he is sure it will do well when it is up and running. Councillor Benney stated that it is nice to see something coming to Chatteris and feels this application just needs approving.

Proposed by Councillor Meekins, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Benney declared that the agent has undertaken work for Chatteris Town Council and himself personally, but he is not pre-determined and will consider the application with an open mind. He further declared, in accordance with Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that he is a member of Chatteris Town Council but takes no part in planning)

(Councillor Imafidon declared that the agent is undertaking work for him, but he is not pre-determined and will consider the application with an open mind)

(Councillor Marks declared that he believes he has had dealings via business with the applicant and took no part in the discussion and voting thereon. He further declared, in accordance with Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that he a member of Manea Parish Council and attends Chatteris Town Council meetings but takes no part in planning)