Agenda item

Prior to consideration of the application, the following persons addressed the Committee in accordance with Public Speaking Procedure Rules 3(b):

·         Mr Oscar de Chazal (on behalf of Wanborough Parish Council) (to object); and

·         Ms Mary Adkins (to object)

The Chairman permitted ward Councillor Tony Rooth to speak for three minutes in his capacity as ward councillor in relation to the above application.

The Committee considered the above-mentioned full application for provision of a water tap to facilitate water for the purposes of agriculture and a manhole to gain access to the metre and stop tap.

The Committee noted the supplementary late sheets which included an updated plan to show the correct location of the plot.  The original plan had been produced internally, however the applicant’s drawings and references in the report were correct.  The site formed part of an agricultural field to the west of Westwood Lane, which was within the Green Belt and part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV).  The application sought permission for the installation of a water tap on a standpipe and a single manhole cover to contain the connection to the mains water supply.  No other development was proposed, and the land would remain in agricultural use.  The application did not seek a change of use of the land, given the development was for agriculture and it was therefore considered to be an appropriate form of development in the Green Belt.  Therefore, an assessment on the impact on openness was not required as the proposal would have no discernible impact on the character or the appearance of the area and would conserve the special character of the AONB and was therefore recommended for approval. 

The Committee considered the application and concerns raised regarding the potential impact of a proposed development which should be considered, as stated in the Surrey Hills AONB Management Plan.  Furthermore, the Management Plan stated that small developments would reduce the landscape and scenic beauty of the Surrey Hills.  The requirement for a water tap to water walnut trees and for grazing sheep was questioned.  The walnut trees would also amount to having an adverse impact on the amenities and landscape of the AONB and was contrary to policy G12 of the Local Plan 2003.  In addition, no tree report had been provided to ascertain the suitability of growing conditions for walnut trees. 

The Head of Place confirmed that planning permission was required for the installation of the water tap as it was an engineering operation and required planning permission in its own right.  Whilst it was acknowledged there had been speculation over the future use of the land, the Committee was requested to consider the application before them which was the provision of a water tap for agricultural purposes. 

The Committee noted additional concerns raised that the water tap would ruin the AONB and questioned the need for the tap when unauthorised developments had occurred on adjacent plots which necessitated enforcement action at cost to the Council. 

The Committee noted that it did not have planning control over the planting of non-native trees and the proposal was just for the installation of a water tap that was considered to be unobtrusive in the wider landscape.  It was also noted that if the applicant wished to install water troughs this would not require planning permission however the installation of a tap did.  The Committee queried whether NPPF S172 required the applicant to prove exceptional need in order to develop.  It was confirmed that this stated that the scale and extent of development within designated areas should be limited and that planning permission should be refused for major development other than in exceptional circumstances and where it could be demonstrated that the development was in the public interest.  The Committee noted that given it was not a major development it was not applicable in relation to the installation of a water tap.

A motion was moved and seconded to approve the application which was carried.

In conclusion, having taken account of the representations received in relation to this application, the Committee

RESOLVED to approve application 21/P/00293 subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed in the report.