To appoint a Chair for this Sub-Committee meeting.

RESOLVED that Councillor Campbell be appointed Chair for the Sub-Committee D.

There were no apologies for absence.

(Please complete the form provided at the meeting or telephone Corporate and Community Services to prepare a form for your signature before the meeting.  Interests must be re-declared when the item is called, and Councillors must leave the room if necessary).

There were no declarations of interest made.

Report by the Licensing Officer (attached).

Also present:             Mr John Dunkley, Applicant’s Legal representative.

                                    Ms E Frolich, Resident of neighbouring property.

The Chair introduced himself and those present.

The Legal Officer summarised the hearing process.

The Licensing Officer outlined the application made in respect of Harta Retreat, Cleave Farm, Hole Lane, East Down, Barnstaple, EX31 4NX, reference 055556, and confirmed that two representations had been made. Mediation had been encouraged, although no compromise had been agreed.

It was noted that, as yet, there had been no planning permission granted for the building proposed by the applicant. This application was purely for the license application and to consider the prevention of public nuisance and noise, along with safety of vehicles using the site (through access and onsite parking).

The applicant’s legal representative addressed the Committee. He advised the committee that:

·         The applicant lived on-site with his family

·         It was a boutique business which currently comprised of four luxury tepees (which each accommodated adults) and a converted barn (which could accommodate a family). Two tepees were available/occupied throughout the year, and the remaining two were available April to October only.

·         The proposed building would likely be timber clad, insulated, and would incorporate double glazed windows and doors.  The building would have four walls and not be an open structure. The building would be approximately 400-500m from the neighbouring property to the north.  There would be some natural sound proofing from the trees and river alongside the building.

·         The applicants proposed conditions were included in appendix F. These included confirmation that entertainment would take place on no more than 3 occasions per week.

·         No statutory authorities had made any representations.

In response to questions, the Applicant gave the following information:

·         The access to the site was via a track, then another larger road which joined the B road.

·         Events would be open to the public occasionally, although it was anticipated most would be for residents/guests on site.

·         Events may take place outside in the summer months.

·         The tepee accommodation was the primary business. He was aware that entertainment could be at odds with the aim to market the accommodation as a peaceful retreat. It was hoped occasional music would complement the experience of guests.

Ms E Frolich, a person who had made a representation, addressed the committee.

Ms Frolich;

·         Presented the Committee with a print of a map of the local area to provide the measurements between the proposed building and her home.

·         Provided an additional document from the other person who had made representation (as per appendix e)

·         Confirmed that the other person who had made a representation did not live with her, but was a neighbour.

·         Stated that the noise from the property would be detrimental to her own business (as a sheep farmer) as the noise would ‘spook’ the sheep.

·         Stated the location is so quiet that at present conversations taking place on the grounds of the property can be heard at her home, and vice versa.

·         She had no objections to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.