Issue - meetings

            Public Speakers:      Mr G. Fox, Objector

                                                Mrs K. Osborne-Shaw, Objector

                                                Mrs J. Toben, Applicant

                                                Mrs T. Cadman, Supporter

            FG/6/20/PL – Development of Animal Rescue Centre, to include new buildings for reception, training & education, cattery, kennels & associated ancillary accommodation, conversion of existing barn into staff accommodation along with driveways, car parking & landscaping.  This application is a Departure from the Development Plan, Hangleton Farm Livery Stables, Wadars Animal Rescue Centre, Hangleton Lane, Ferring

              The Planning Team Leader presented this report, together with the officer’s written report update detailing:-

·         Comments from the National Park Authority and suggested additional condition relating to the use of external lighting

·         The applicant’s request that condition 8 be amended to delete reference to the isolation unit and that the number of dogs to be housed there did not exceed 1

·         An additional drawing and information submitted by the Agent detailing boundary fencing and the extent of green metal fencing between the kennels

·         No new points had been raised in additional representations received since publication of the agenda

·         Officer response to the foregoing and amended condition sheet

In opening up the debate, a Member suggestion was made that a site visit might be appropriate in light of comments from the objectors but, during the course of consideration, this was not supported as there were no animals at the site at the present time.  Officer clarification was given that the applicant did already have planning approval for the kennelling of dogs at the site and permission was in place for them to be exercised outside.

A further suggestion was made that any permission might be time limited to enable the matter to be revisited to address any adverse issues that might arise.  However, the Group Head of Planning was of the view that that would be unreasonable as the charity would have to make a substantial investment for the work to be carried out.

Member comment was made that what was being proposed would be purpose built and the measures being put in place should not cause nuisance.  The Committee therefore

RESOLVED

That the application be approved as detailed in the report and the officer report update.