Agenda item

23/00588/FUL - Change of use of agricultural land for tourist accommodation including the siting of 3 No. holiday lodges and 3 No. hot tub enclosures with car parking, associated landscaping and gravel pathways including the creation of secondary access. Conversion of storeroom to form kitchen/office and garage together with landscaping and associated works (Retrospective Application) (Amended plans / information received 5th October 2023 & 22nd November 2023).

(In making its decision, the Committee took into consideration the Planning Officer’s report (previously circulated), the views of the Council’s Environmental Health Officer, the recommended refusal on highway safety grounds by the Council’s Highways Team, the views of Natural England, which were reported at the meeting, 21 letters of support received, and the views of the Applicant, the Applicant’s Agent and one supporter, whom the Committee heard.

During the course of discussion, particular focus was given to access arrangements, including the visibility splay, and mitigation measures which had been proposed, and the Committee was informed that the Council’s Transport Manager had been advised by the Police that they would not support any speed reductions or mitigations on the relevant stretch of road).

RESOLVED – That Planning Permission be refused.

REASON - The proposed development is prejudicial to highway safety by reason of the creation of an additional access for the associated traffic generation which does not include a safe level of visibility. No evidence has been provided by the Applicant to demonstrate that visibility standards in accordance with national guidance are achievable. The proposed development conflicts with Policy DC1 (Sustainable Design Principles and Climate Change) and Policy E4 (Economic Development in the Open Countryside) of the Darlington Local Plan 2016-2036 and the National Planning Policy Framework.