Agenda and minutes

To receive and record any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence received for this meeting.

To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 20 July 2023, and receive the minutes of the Site Viewing Working Party held on 24 August 2023.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 20 July 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman; and the minutes of the Site Viewing Working Party held on 24 August 2023 be received.

To receive and record any declarations of interests from Members present.

There were no declarations of interests relating to matters on the agenda.

Proposal: Change of Use of land and woodland (retrospective) as a wedding and events venue, including retention of permanent ancillary buildings and structures, the erection of removable structures (including marquees and temporary facilities), and the use of the land as a campsite in association with events. Construction of vehicular track from the public highway to the proposed wedding and events venue at Tournerbury Woods.

Additional Documents

(The site was viewed by the Site Viewing Working Party)

Proposal:      Change of Use of land and woodland (retrospective) as a wedding and events venue, including retention of permanent ancillary buildings and structures, the erection of removable structures (including marquees and temporary facilities), and the use of the land as a campsite in association with events. Construction of vehicular track from the public highway to the proposed wedding and events venue at Tournerbury Woods.

The Committee considered the written report and recommendation from the Head of Planning to grant permission.

The Committee received supplementary information, circulated prior to the

meeting, which included:

1.               Written deputations submitted by

a.     Ms Barnett

b.     Ms Barwick

c.     Ms Batchelor

d.     Ms Brookes, on behalf of Havant Climate Alliance and Havant Friends of the Earth

e.     Mr Fine

f.       Mr Ford

g.     Ms French, on behalf of Holbury Consultancy Services 

h.     Ms Knowles

i.       Ms Meredith

j.       Mr Morris, the applicant’s agent

k.     Mr and Mrs Phillips

l.       Councillor Payter

m.   County Councillor Quantrill

n.     Professor Raper

The Committee was addressed by:

1.                  Professor Raper, who reiterated the issues set out in the written deputation submitted.

Professor Raper also claimed that 175 trees have disappeared from the development site.

2.                  Councillor Stone, who reiterated the issues set out in the written deputation on behalf of Councillor Payter

3.                  County Councillor Quantrill, who reiterated the issues set out in the written deputation.

Councillor Quantrill added there would be many economic benefits associated with permitting the application. The site would be a unique venue for attracting business. Monies generated by the site could also be reinvested in the local community. The site could also generate parking income for the Council.

4.                  Ms Meredith, who reiterated the issues set out in the written deputation submitted.

5.                  Mr Morris, the applicant’s agent, who reiterated the issues set out in the written deputation submitted on behalf of the applicant.

Mr Morris added that environmental harm would not be brought by the development of the site. Contrarily, the environment within the site would be enhanced.

The officers commented on the issues raised by public speakers and in the written submissions as follows:

·       The complaint running with Natural England would be a separate matter and not for the Council or the Planning Committee to adjudicate. 

·       The most up-to-date representation made by Natural England had raised no objections to the application.

·       Natural England had made no changes to their latest representation.

·       There were no requirements to upgrade the existing tracks that runs through the woodland in the application.

In response to questions from members of the Committee, officers pointed out that:

a.                  The track along the northern boundary provided a hard permanent track that allows vehicles to safely pass. No further works were required to make it usable for traffic.

b.                  The Council has a range of enforcement powers to remedy breaches of conditions. Appropriate action would be taken depending on the severity of the breach.

c.                   There were a number of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

Proposal: Proposed dropped kerb.

Additional Documents

Proposal:      Proposed dropped kerb.

The Committee considered the written report and recommendation from the Head of Planning to grant permission.

The Committee acknowledged that the application was referred to the Committee as this was a staff application and discussed the application in detail.

RESOLVED that application APP/23/00057 be granted permission subject to the following conditions:

Appendices:

(A)  Amended Location Plan

(B)  Amended Crossover Plan

(C)  Front elevation showing location and measurement of dropped kerb