Minutes of the ExtraOrdinary meeting of Westwood Parish Council held at the Parish Room, Farleigh Lane, Westwood at 7.00pm on Thursday 12 July 2018

 Present

 Cllr. J Bishop               (Chairman)

Cllr. D Adcock

Cllr. J Adcock

Cllr. M Cartwright-Hignett

Cllr. T Leeder

Cllr. G Mumford

Cllr. P Phillips

Mr. R Coleman           Clerk

 Wiltshire Council, Cllr. J Kidney attended.

 There were thirteen members of the public present initially.

 1.         Welcome and Introductions.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.  

 2.         Apologies.

Apologies for non-attendance were received from Cllr. J Johnston.

 3.         Declaration of Interests.

Cllr. Mumford expressed an interest in Agenda item 6 ‘Planning’ in relation to Planning application 17/08216/FUL.

 There were no other interests declared.

 4.         Minutes of Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 4 June 2018.

The Council resolved that the minutes of this meeting were a true and accurate record. The Chairman signed the minutes.

 5.         Adjournment.

The Chairman adjourned the meeting for members of the public to raise any points of interest and after contributions from the public, he reconvened the meeting.

 In the absence of any member of the public the meeting was reconvened immediately.

 6.         Planning.

The Council examined the following planning applications and resolved to send comments to Wiltshire Council (as shown it italics).

 Cllr. Mumford withdrew from the meeting.

 

17/08216/FUL

Land North of 146 Upper Westwood

Provision of two self-contained camping pods with parking, change of use of land to leisure/tourism. (Resubmission of 17/02852/FUL).

New

 The Parish Council objects to this proposed development for the reasons as stated before in relation to the earlier, similar, planning applications 17/02852/FUL dated 2017 and 17/08216 dated 2018 These reasons remain the view of the Council and are reproduced here for completeness.

 :This proposed development and change of use are contrary to the adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy (especially Core Policies 39 and 51) and the National Planning Policy Framework (especially Section 9 – Protecting Green Belt Land and Section 11 – Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment). The proposed development site is in the West Wiltshire Green Belt, it is designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty, of High Ecological Value and is directly adjacent to the Westwood Conservation Area. These protections must be respected. The proposed development site is highly visible throughout the Limpley Stoke Valley and the proposed development would represent an alien intrusion into a hitherto rural landscape. Highway access to the proposed site is severely restricted and wholly unsuitable for such a development. This proposed development and change of use will result in a severe loss of amenity for the neighbouring residential area and an irrevocable loss of, and a severe impact to, the character and appearance of the landscape.

 The following, additional, comments emphasizing the Parish Council’s objections to this application were agreed at the Parish Council meeting held on 12 July 2018:

 The ‘Change of Use’ must be refused for the reasons given above. There is also no demonstrable need, or demand, for a camping site in Upper Westwood. There are no ‘special circumstances’ for such a development.

The Ecological Survey was undertaken in January, thereby ignoring the impact of such a development which would be utilised in the more temperate months e.g. summer. The Landscape Assessment is misleading – the proposed development is very close to nearby properties and would be in clear view from numerous viewpoints in the Limpley Stoke Valley. It would be intrusive and would represent a severe loss of amenity for the existing properties. The availability of ‘local services’ – especially in relation to the application site - is over-stated.

Historically (and common experience is that) camping sites are accompanied by outdoor living – barbeques, late night socialising, outdoor games, music and children’s activities – all contributing to the loss of amenity in a hitherto tranquil area of Upper Westwood.  

Photographs submitted give a false impression. The proposed development would represent a highly visible static site and is directly in conflict with Core Policy 39. There would be an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the landscape. It is not clear exactly where the boundary of the application site is located. Is the red line the boundary or is the application for the whole field?

Highway access to the proposed site is severely limited with the access road very narrow. It is single lane with no passing places and has a restricted view owing to its hilly character. Access to the site for emergency vehicles would be extremely difficult. This road regularly presents access problems to/from Upper Westwood now. Such difficulties (and conflicts) would be exacerbated by this proposed development.

 Wiltshire Council is urged to refuse this application. 

 Cllr. Mumford returned to the meeting.

 

18/05768/FUL

61 Bobbin Lane

Conservatory to rear elevation

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 The Parish Council has no comments.

 

18/06065/FUL

145 Upper Westwood

Proposed double garage

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 The Parish Council has no comments.

 The Clerk asked the Parish Council to note that Planning application 17/11739/FUL (120 Upper Westwood) is to be determined by the Wiltshire Council Planning Committee at its meeting on 25 July 2018 at 3pm.

 7.         General Data Protection Regulations.

The Council resolved that Westwood Parish Council is to register with the Information Commissioner and to pay the fee (£40).

 8.         Finance.

The Council resolved to make the following payments:

 D Downes (£555.50),

The Print Centre (£64.42),

Clerk’s Expenses June (£10.06),

HMRC PAYE Clerk (£111.80),

Hire of Parish Room (£10.80

GDPR Fee (£40).

 The Council noted and resolved that the payment of £250 made earlier this month to Mr Downes for the Westwood Park Play Area fence and gate repair was in order and that the work had to be undertaken as a matter of urgency.

 9.         Close (8pm).

The meeting concluded at 8.02pm.

 

 Chairman                                                                                                        6 August 2018

Westwood Parish Council

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