Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Service Manager Development & Estates.

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager Development & Estates, whereupon:-

Application No. C/2019/0090 Star Fields off Mountain Road, Ebbw Vale

Councillor L. Winnett declared an interest in this matter.

A Member expressed concern that a decision had been taken under delegated powers to grant a Lawful Development Certificate (as listed in Item No. 6) and asked whether this would prejudice the appeal process.

In response the Service Manager Development & Estates explained that there were two separate issues ongoing at the site, i.e. the use of the premises for dog breeding, which was the subject of the appeal, and the enforcement issues in relation to unauthorised tipping activities on site  In terms of the status of the buildings, as part of the Lawful Development Certificate application the developer was given the opportunity to evidence that the buildings had been operational for a period exceeding 4 years, and the evidence provided proved that was the case.  However, the Lawful Development Certificate does not cover the use of the premises, and this would be determined through the planning appeal process.

A Member questioned the existence of the buildings preceding 10 years, and the Officer explained that the developer demonstrated that the buildings had been on site for a period exceeding 4 years, as required by the Lawful Development Certificate.  The 10 year period referred to by the Member was in relation to all other development.

RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted.