The Eastern Area Planning Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a range of planning applications, including proposals for extensions to a residential care home and the installation of transmitter masts for a solar farm. The committee was also scheduled to review planning appeal decisions.

Summer Court Hall, Hornsea

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for the erection of single-storey and first-floor extensions to the existing residential care home, Summer Court Hall, located at Football Green, Hornsea. The proposal also included associated external alterations following the demolition of existing single-storey extensions and a detached garage. The recommendation was to defer a decision to secure a formal response from Natural England, after which the application would be delegated for approval, subject to any additional conditions required by Natural England.

Key considerations for this application included:

• Principle of Development: The proposal was seen as acceptable in principle, aligning with policies supporting development within Principal Towns, meeting the accommodation needs of older people, and enhancing local social-care provision.
• Design and Area Character: The proposed extensions were considered to be well-designed additions that would respond positively to the varied form, scale, and architectural character of the host building, appearing harmonious with the existing structure and its setting.
• Residential Amenity/Living Conditions: The development was assessed to maintain an acceptable relationship with surrounding residential properties and the neighbouring primary school, nursery, and associated grounds, without resulting in unacceptable harm through overlooking, loss of privacy, overshadowing, dominance, enclosure, or loss of outlook.
• Access, Parking and Highway Safety: Following amendments, the proposal was considered to meet parking standards, include appropriately sized accessible parking bays, and demonstrate satisfactory vehicle manoeuvring, thus not adversely affecting highway safety.
• Trees and Landscaping: The amended proposals were considered not to have an adverse or unacceptable impact on the mature or protected trees on or adjacent to the site.
• Flood Risk and Drainage: The site is in Flood Zone 1, and the proposal was not expected to result in an unacceptable flood risk, subject to pre-commencement conditions securing an appropriate drainage scheme.
• Biodiversity and Ecology: While initial objections were raised regarding Biodiversity Net Gain and potential impacts on the Hornsea Mere Special Protection Area (SPA), amended plans reduced the development footprint. However, Natural England advised that further information was required regarding potential nutrient impacts on the SPA, necessitating a deferral.
• Other Matters: Objections were received regarding a restrictive covenant, but these were considered to have low planning weight as restrictive covenants are private legal matters.

South Cliff Holiday Park Solar Farm, Wilsthorpe

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for the erection of four transmitter masts to serve the approved solar farm at South Cliff Holiday Park Solar Farm, Pioneer Road, Wilsthorpe. The recommendation was for approval with conditions.

The key aspects of this application included:

• Background: The transmitter masts were described as necessary ancillary infrastructure for the operation of the approved solar farm and its associated G100 protection system, enabling the transmission of operational data, alarms, and control signals.
• Principle of Development: The proposal was considered acceptable in principle as it constituted operational infrastructure directly associated with the approved renewable energy development, supporting national and local objectives for energy security and a low-carbon economy.
• Visual Impact: While Carnaby Parish Council inquired about reducing the height of the masts, the proposed structures were considered to be ancillary elements of the wider solar farm development. Their visual effects were deemed to be localised and limited, not resulting in unacceptable visual harm or detracting significantly from the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.
• Residential Amenity: The modest scale and nature of the proposed infrastructure were not expected to result in any material loss of outlook, overbearing impact, overshadowing, loss of privacy, or other adverse effects upon residential amenity.
• Flood Risk and Drainage: The mast sites are located in Flood Zone 1, with a low probability of flooding, and the masts are fixed to structures, posing no flood risk.
• Biodiversity and Ecology: The installation of masts on existing structures would not involve ground disturbance or physical works affecting habitats or species, and the proposal was exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
• Health Considerations: There was no substantive evidence to indicate that the proposed development would give rise to unacceptable risks to human health.

Planning Appeal Decisions

The agenda also included information on several planning appeal decisions for the committee's information:

• Chapel House, Chapel Lane, Wawne: An appeal was scheduled to be considered regarding the replacement of an existing flat roof with a dual-pitched roof to create habitable loft space. The Inspector was scheduled to determine if the proposed development would have an acceptable effect on the character and appearance of the host property and the immediate area.
• Land and building east of Manor House Farm, Lockington Road, Lund: An appeal was scheduled to be considered regarding the change of use of an agricultural barn to a dwelling and the demolition of an adjacent barn. The Inspector was scheduled to determine if the proposal would fail to accord with the development plan due to concerns about protected species and if the benefits would substantially outweigh the adverse effects.
• Footpath outside 1 Prince Street, Bridlington: Two appeals were scheduled to be considered concerning the installation of a BT Street Hub and associated digital advertising screens. The Inspector was scheduled to determine if the proposals would cause unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the Bridlington Quay Conservation Area and if the public benefits would outweigh the identified harm.