HORTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE 
MEETING OF HORTON PARISH COUNCIL
Which was held on Wednesday 3rd November 2021
 At Horton Village Hall at 7.45pm 

AGENDA

PRESENT: Cllrs Fannon, Morgan, Hatherell, Harrison and Craig, Ward Cllr Adrian Rush
Many members of the public attended including a representative for the planning applicant.
APOLOGIES:  There were no apologies
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: None
  
AGENDA ITEM:

PLANNING:
P21/06490/F – An application has been received for Bix Farm, King Lane, Horton in respect of change of use from 1 no dwelling (Class C3) to dwelling and 1 no holiday let (for up to 17 no adults and 2 no children) (Sui Generis) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). (Retrospective). 
Details of all planning applications may be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/planning

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Several members of the public who lived in the village raised objections to the application as follows:-
The property has been used for a party house not a private dwelling house for past 10 years.  
The property was previously investigated for similar objections in 2014 when officer was satisfied it was being used as a private house. 
Swimming pool application was made 4.12.17 which insists that use is for a private family dwelling.  
Not declared as a party house at this time – therefore concealment of party use so therefore how can this be retrospective?
Existing use is currently down as residential within the AONB.
Vehicle parking is for 10 cars but the space is not big enough for 10 so vehicle parking spills onto the verges.  Venue is advertised as additional parking within the stables – but use of these is strictly for equestrian use and not parking.  
Field is used for rowdy football matches.
Section 23 pre-application advice makes note that advice was given but it transpires that the planning officer had not visited the site.
Concerns over drainage.  Application indicates there is no watercourse, however there is a pond and a watercourse going through the site.
Guests staying at Bix farm are often loud and noisy until very late.  There is often a lot of litter left which the neighbours pick up themselves. Walkers from these groups will sometimes trespass and are rude if approached regarding this.
Concerns that if application is approved this is thin end of the wedge – opens up possibilities for much bigger events.
Increase in the noise and disruption in the area.
Horton needs family homes.  Intention is for a full time professional party house.
This year the noise has been constant.  Adverts found and property is booked solidly until June next year and some are back to back bookings.  Therefore up to 48 weeks a year.  Since pool opened the noise is dreadful and on top of the rowdiness from the football pitch.  It is not appropriate for where we live and causing distress to the neighbours.
It was stated that the property has not been used for 10 years as a commercial let.  In 2014 it was used primarily as a private family dwelling and therefore you cannot have commercial use retrospectively going back 10 years.

Ward Cllr Adrian Rush advised residents should send in as many objections as you can. The planning officer will then make her decision.  She has however already given her pre-planning advice and will have to back down from her original advice.  The application will then appear on the circulated schedule which ward councillors will consider. He urged villagers to attend the meeting en mass to show number of objections.  The Planning Committee will then listen and make their decision.

A representative of the applicant apologised for her being unable to attend the meeting and read a statement regarding the application on her behalf.  The applicant noted that:-
1 The applicants wish to be good citizens and have enjoyed their family time at Bix.
2 They have been renting on a part time basis since 2010 to pay for extensive renovations and to keep the house from being empty. They were originally advised no planning permission needed.  
3 The application is to continue the use of the last 10 years.   Advertising has been changed to state ideal for families.  No stag or hen doos, no fireworks, purpose of visit to be stated when booking.
4 Investigation into where the party house ads came from showed the previous company had without permission and out of contract advertised the house as party house.   An apology has been received from this company.
5 Olivers travel bookings show full but that will include the time when the family stay themselves and must not be assumed that these are party bookings.
6 All houses have made up names for privacy purposes.
7 Noise- no emails received etc with complaints of noise since 2006.  A couple of noisy groups including some nurses who she gave a discount to.  Other group may have been her sons and friends and the noise clearly needs to be addressed.  Signage about noise is around pool, extra trees to be planted and housekeeper to remind visitors of this.
8 Applicant hopes that they can continue to rent and bring so much pleasure to so many people.  Renting also provides support to local businesses including cooks/restaurants etc.  They would like to work alongside villagers to improve things and sort issues.  Gave details of email for contacting the owner. 
List of bookings 4.47 bed nights per month.  There is no intention to change this pattern.
Copies of this statement were provided for villagers to take away if they wished.

After listening to resident’s concerns and the statement from the applicant regarding her application, Horton Parish Councillors voted unanimously to object to this application based on the following material considerations:-

Access and highways/Traffic generation - the property is on King Lane, a designated "Quiet Lane" which is well used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Up to 17 extra vehicles for each booking using this lane whose surface is extremely poor in places is considered a safety issue, as well as a nuisance for those trying to enjoy the quiet and safe lane.
Concern was also raised about the sewage system in place at Bix Farm with the likelihood that it will need emptying far more often due to the number of guests and frequency of bookings, thus meaning more lorries up and down the lane to empty.
Noise and disturbance - councillors heard several neighbours tell of unacceptable levels of noise, often late into the night and with bad language often in use whilst guests played rowdy football matches and whilst using the pool late into the night.  They believe this is not appropriate for the area and shows no respect to the neighbours.  Again, it is a designated quiet lane - these parties are absolutely not quite and this year in particular the instances of excessive late night noise have increased.
Cllrs consider this application to be overbearing due to the nature of the project and the number of people staying.
Clerk to advise SGC

BUS SHELTER:  
Clerk advised that before SGC can provide a quotation for the removal of the bus shelter at Totteroak, an asbestos survey must be carried out.  They provided details of their preferred company to carry out the survey (Amiantus Environmental Consultants Ltd).  The cost will be £195 plus VAT.  Cllrs all agreed that this should be paid – clerk to instruct Amiantus and Cllr Fannon will attend in order to open up the Heras fencing.