After an appeal, an outline planning application seeking the construction of up to 70 holiday lodges near Ashton Keynes has been granted by the planning inspectorate, subject to conditions.
The appeal was brought forward by Manorwood Leisure Developments Limited, alongside Mr Biagio Vitale, against Wiltshire Council, who despite not formally refusing the application have provided reasons for refusal.
The issues the council raised were focused on the suitability of the developments location, its potential adverse effect on nearby conservation sites, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), impact on local fauna (great crested newts), and the suitability of its proposed secondary access.
Location
Regarding its location, the site- as a tourist and visitor facility- is required by Core Policy 39 to be close to a village. In the appeal the site was found to be suitably close to Ashton Keynes, given its access via public rights of way, additionally the site was found to possess the required link to a countryside attraction, in the form of its proposed nature park.
Conservation site and SSSI
The planning inspectorate found that mitigation measures to help preserve the conservation site had been undertaken, after consultation with Natural England, therefore there would be no impact on the conversation site by the proposal, furthermore, the inspectorate found that reasonable measures were taken by the appellant to preserve the SSSI’s features, therefore there would be no adverse effects from the proposal in regards to either matter.
Great crested newts
The inspectorate found that from evidence and site observations, the proposals impact on the great crested newts was properly assessed, and wasn’t found to have any adverse effect on the species.
Decision
From the assessment of these key factors, alongside other factors, the inspectorate concluded that the appeal should be allowed, meaning that outline planning permission was granted.
Image: cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com
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