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Planning and Licensing Committee - Wednesday, 8th May, 2024 2.00 pm

May 8, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Watch video of meeting
AI Generated

Summary

The council meeting focused on two primary agenda items concerning the Bibury Trout Farm. Both items involved proposed developments at the farm, with discussions centering on the potential impacts on the local environment, heritage, and community.

  1. Remodeling of Existing Fish Raceways: The committee approved the remodeling of existing fish raceways into a new lake with central islands. Proponents argued this would simplify maintenance and enhance biodiversity. Opponents, including local parish council representatives, expressed concerns about the gradual transformation of the working farm into a leisure park and potential ecological impacts. The decision allows the farm to proceed with the construction, emphasizing biodiversity improvements while maintaining the area's heritage.

  2. Erection of a Roof Cover for Visitor Activities: The committee also approved the construction of a roof cover to be used for visitor arts, activities, and education. Supporters highlighted the need for diversification and adaptation of the farm's business model to ensure its viability. Critics worried about the visual impact and the shift away from traditional farming activities. The approval was contingent on the structure being open-sided to minimize visual impact and maintain flexibility for future uses.

An interesting aspect of the meeting was the evident tension between the need for business evolution at the trout farm and the community's desire to preserve the traditional character and ecological integrity of the area. The discussions also underscored challenges in balancing tourism growth with local heritage and environmental conservation. In a recent meeting of the Cotswold Deputy Councillors Planning and Licensing Committee, chaired by Councillor Ray Brassington, several key issues were discussed, including a proposal for remodeling existing fish raceways at Bibury Trout Farm and the erection of a roof cover for visitor activities at the same location.

1. Remodeling of Existing Fish Raceways at Bibury Trout Farm The committee reviewed a proposal to remodel existing fish raceways into a new lake with a central island at Bibury Trout Farm, Arlington, Bibury. The applicant, represented by agent Andrew P. Jones, aimed to enhance the site's biodiversity by replacing the vertical raceways with a more maintainable island setup. Despite the farm's shift towards leisure activities, the applicant assured that the trout farming operations would continue elsewhere on the site.

Public speakers expressed concerns about the project's potential to transform the trout farm from a traditional agricultural site into a full-scale leisure attraction, which they felt could undermine the area's ecological and heritage value. The parish council highlighted issues with previous planning permissions that deviated from initial applications, contributing to distrust in the planning process.

After considerable debate, the committee decided to permit the remodeling, with a vote of seven for and one against. The decision was influenced by the planning officer's reassurances that the changes would not significantly impact the local biodiversity or the conservation area.

2. Erection of a Roof Cover for Visitor Activities at Bibury Trout Farm The second major discussion involved a proposal to erect a roof cover to be used for visitor arts, activities, and education at Bibury Trout Farm. This development was intended to provide sheltered space for educational and recreational activities without affecting the farm's operations.

Similar to the first application, local representatives and the parish council voiced concerns about the gradual shift of the trout farm towards non-agricultural activities, potentially impacting the traditional character of Bibury. However, the planning officer clarified that the new structure would be minimally invasive, designed to blend with existing buildings, and would not encroach significantly on open views or the conservation area.

The committee approved the erection of the roof cover, noting that it would provide valuable educational and recreational benefits to visitors without detracting from the site's primary function as a trout farm.

Both decisions underscored the committee's approach to balancing development and conservation in a sensitive and historically significant area. The discussions reflected ongoing tensions between modernization and heritage preservation, highlighting the challenges of managing change in rural communities renowned for their natural and historical landscapes.

Attendees

Profile image for Ray Brassington
Ray Brassington  Vice Chair of Council •  Liberal Democrats •  Four Acres
Profile image for Patrick Coleman
Patrick Coleman  Cabinet Member for Finance •  Liberal Democrats •  Stratton
Profile image for Dilys Neill
Dilys Neill  Chair of Planning and Licensing Committee •  Liberal Democrats •  Stow
Profile image for Michael Vann
Michael Vann  Liberal Democrats •  Fairford North
Profile image for Mark Harris
Mark Harris  Chair of Council •  Liberal Democrats •  Abbey
Profile image for Ian Watson
Ian Watson  Vice Chair of Planning and Licensing Committee •  Liberal Democrats •  Tetbury Town
Error - page unavailable
Profile image for Julia Judd
Julia Judd  Conservative •  Ermin
Profile image for David Fowles
David Fowles  Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group •  Conservative •  Coln Valley
Profile image for Daryl Corps
Daryl Corps  Conservative •  Moreton West
Profile image for Andrew Maclean
Andrew Maclean  Leader of the Green Party Group •  Green Party •  The Rissingtons
Phil Shaw
David Morren
Robert Weaver
Helen Blundell
Adrian Harding
Martin Perks
Helen Cooper
Malcolm Jones
Ana Prelici
Profile image for Len Wilkins
Len Wilkins  Conservative •  Bourton Vale

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

Meeting Documents

Agenda

Agenda frontsheet 08th-May-2024 14.00 Planning and Licensing Committee

Reports Pack

Public reports pack 08th-May-2024 14.00 Planning and Licensing Committee

Minutes

Printed minutes 08th-May-2024 14.00 Planning and Licensing Committee

Additional Documents

Planning Licensing Committee - 8 May 2024 - Schedule of Applications
3 - 24-00359-FUL - Photograph
Additional Pages 08th-May-2024 14.00 Planning and Licensing Committee
Planning Licensing Committee - 8 May 2024 - Additional Pages
2 - 24-00359-FUL - Plans and Elevations
1 - 22-03418-FUL - Site Location Plan
2 - 22-03418-FUL - Proposed Site Plan
3 - 22-03418-FUL - Existing and Proposed Building Plans
24-00359-FUL - Bibury Trout Farm Report
1 - 24-00359-FUL - Site Location Plan
2 - 23-03970-FUL - Existing Plan
Minutes 10042024 Planning and Licensing Committee
1 - 23-03970-FUL - Site Location Plan
23-03970-FUL - Bibury Trout Farm Report
3 - 23-03970-FUL - Proposed Plan
4 - 23-03970-FUL - Photograph
22-03418-FUL - Fosseway Service Station Report
4 - 22-03418-FUL - Proposed Site Elevations
5 - 22-03418-FUL - Photographs
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