Land use change bid is rejected

for the operation to be sited at such a rural location.

He said: “Policy ED3 of the local development plan (LDP) is the most relevant policy in the assessment of this retrospective application.

“This policy states that the council will give favourable consideration to the expansion of existing businesses and the creation of new ones in rural areas. It states that there will be a preference that these will generally be within or adjacent to existing settlements.

“In this instance the site is located remote from any settlements in a countryside location on an agricultural site. I note the planning statement is of the view that the site has not been in agricultural use for some time and reference has been made to other uses in the supporting statement.

“I have reviewed the planning history for the site and the lawful use relates to agricultural [and] there are no certificates of lawful use for the businesses specified in the agent’s supporting statement.

“I disagree with the arguments advanced that these previous uses based on the information provided should allow this application to succeed.

“I also note [the] site plan includes a significant area of land, not just the steading building, hardstanding and the temporary portable office buildings.

“I am of the view that the submission fails to provide evidence of why this specific site is required for the business as it is not associated with a tourist use or a rural enterprise. Based upon the nature of the operations it would appear to be more logical in planning and sustainability terms for this business to be located within an established settlement, within a designated employment area.”