Agenda item

To determine the application.

David Rowen presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation in support of the application, in accordance with the public Participation Procedure, from Mr Ian Gowler, the Agent.

Mr Gowler stated that the applicant is looking to create a small holding using the small parcels of agricultural land with the small parcels within the larger field being ideal for starting such a venture, whereas normally fields are sold in large areas not allowing for such small scale holdings and allotments are also not suitable due to the size and most not allowing animals to be kept. He stated that the access is proposed to be improved to allow a car to be parked off the road safely, which has been agreed with highways and the rest of the access is planned to remain as existing as it is current agricultural use.

Mr Gowler stated that the proposal is for a small amount of chickens, therefore, many of the environmental concerns from nearby neighbours would be based on significantly more than what is proposed and the applicant is aware that care must be taken not to cause odour nuisance under statutory environmental health requirements. He stated that the chicken house is a standard hen house made by a national company for free range chickens, it is designed to be able to be moved but it is not intended to be movable for this small holding with this being only a small scale small holding, and therefore, the appearance is in keeping with agricultural use.

Mr Gowler stated that some of the other neighbouring concerns are with regard to loss of wildlife, which is not really applicable as the field is and has been farmed and the new small holding is more likely to attract wildlife due to the reduction in intensification of farming. He added with regard to overlooking and privacy this is likely to be reduced as currently the field is farmed with large high tractors.

Mr Gowler stated that the application is to make use of the small plots of land for agricultural use there is no real change in land use and would therefore, not set a precedent for anything detrimental to the neighbouring properties. He stated that concern has been raised with regard to an increase in traffic with access and parking having been agreed with highways, and the increase in traffic is likely to be 2 car visits per day so very minimal and access is not located near properties so there would not be any disturbance. With regard to animal welfare, the applicant is aware of her duties of care to the animals and will follow the relevant DEFRA guidance.

Mr Gowler stated that as mentioned in the committee report many of the neighbouring concerns are related to the keeping of livestock and poultry on the land which would not require permission, and secondly the fencing for keeping the animals secure does not need specific permission.

Members asked Mr Gowler the following questions;

·         Councillor Marks asked Mr Gowler whether the applicant has any plans to further develop the land by adding a dwelling or mobile home? Mr Gowler stated that this is not the intention and he has made the applicant aware that under no circumstances that this type of development could be considered on a piece of land like this.

·         Councillor Meekins asked Mr Gowler  to clarify why his client has chosen to apply for planning permission when it was not required if it had been kept as a mobile chicken house?. Mr Gowler added that free range chickens normally have a quarter fencing around each part of the building, so the chickens can be moved easily. He added that to make a substantial fencing arrangement it made it easier to fix the building in the middle and then make   separate fencing to divide up each quarter as each area gets worn out by the chickens.

Members asked questions, made comments and receive responses as follows;

·         Councillor Sutton stated that he cannot find a reason in planning terms for refusal. He added that he wishes the applicant well, but he feels there is an ulterior motive.

·         Councillor Connor stated he agrees with Councillor Sutton, and there maybe an ulterior motive, but he will support the application.

·         Councillor Benney stated that he wishes the applicant well for all the hard work that keeping chickens will entail and he can find no planning reason to refuse the planning application.

·         Councillor Cornwell stated that he cannot understand why anybody would apply for full planning permission to house chickens without having an ulterior motive.

·         Councillor Murphy stated he also thinks that there is a hidden agenda but there are no reasons to refuse it.

·         Councillor Benney stated that it should be noted that this approval is for the hen house on this site and for no further development.

Proposed by Councillor Skoulding, seconded by Councillor Clark and agreed that the application be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillors Benney, Hay and Murphy stated that they are members of Chatteris Town Council, but take no part in planning matters)

(Councillor Connor declared an interest by virtue of the fact that the Agent for this application is a Doddington Parish Councillor and Councillor Connor attends Doddington Parish Council in his position as an elected member of Fenland District Council)