Issue - meetings

At the invitation of the Chairman, Mr. A. Bytom addressed the Committee and spoke in favour of the proposals.

The Head of Planning and Environment Services reported the receipt of a further objection, together with the receipt of additional supporting information from the applicant.

Consideration was given to this application which had been recommended for refusal by the Head of Planning and Environment Services.

On the matter being put to the vote, Members considered that the proposal represented appropriate development in the Green Belt which would bring economic benefits to Alvechurch, the canal and the community in general.  Members felt that the proposals complied with paragraph 26 of PPG17 in that farm diversification which involves a recreational leisure activity would be beneficial for biodiversity and, ultimately, would not have a detrimental or adverse impact on the openness and the visual amenities of the Green Belt in the location.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the application be referred to the Government Office for the West Midlands under the "departure" procedure; and

(b)       that, in the event of the application not being "called-in" by the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government, permission be granted subject to any appropriate conditions and notes which are considered necessary by the Head of Planning and Environment Services.

(NOTE: Under section 4, paragraph 16.7 of the Council's Constitution, Councillor S. R. Peters requested that it be recorded that he had abstained from voting on this matter.)