Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Barbara Brodigan, David Noland and Andrew Williams (substitute Councillor Nick Brown).

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

All Members are invited to declare at this point any interests, including the nature of those interests, or lobbying in respect of any items appearing on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interests.

Report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services.

The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services sought determination of a planning application for the dismantling of an existing portal framed building including extensions.  Conversion and extension of a traditional agricultural building and change of use to provide a wedding/events venue together with associated external works and landscape works on land at Warley Wise Farm Cowling, North Yorkshire, BD22 0LL.

Members of the Committee had visited the site to gather factual information and visualise any impact the proposed development could have on the area.

The Planning Officer gave a presentation and summarised the report and a late information report which had been circulated to Members and published on the Council’s website.  The late information report included one further objection and referred to a drawing that had been received showing 2 areas of biodiversity net gain for the application site and that recommended condition 2 was amended to include the biodiversity net gain location plan.

The applicant Michael Drakard and his agent Tom Warren spoke in support of the application.

During consideration of the application, Members discussed the following issues:

-        Whether or not the agricultural building was being used as a working farm.

-        The contemporary nature of the proposed extension in weathered steel.

-        Whilst NYC Highways considered that, visibility splays of 70m giving access to the development were acceptable there was concern about the potential increase in traffic as the road was a major recreational and cycling route.

-        The proposals incorporated the best available sustainability and biodiversity schemes.

-        The development would add to the local economy and create employment.

Resolved –

That, the application is GRANTED subject to the conditions set out in the Assistant Director’s report and an amended condition 2 to include the biodiversity net gain location plan as set out in the late information report.

Voting record –

A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 3 in favour and two against.

Any other items which the Chair agrees should be considered as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances.

There were no urgent items of business.

Monday, 8 September 2025 at 1pm. Venue to be confirmed.

Monday 8 September 2025.