Resolved –

Members are minded that planning permission should be granted and referred to the Secretary of State, in coming to this conclusion Members consider there are very special circumstances that warrant the grant of “inappropriate development” in the Green Belt for the following reasons:

(i)         The site was previously allocated as an employment site and such allocation was principally removed because the site was at risk of flooding.  The applicant has now demonstrated that the site can be developed without an increased risk of flooding.

(ii)        Not all of the site is within the Green Belt and there is a proven need for employment land within the District that cannot be met.

(iii)       There is no recent evidence of flooding and works of flood alleviation are taking place further upstream.

(iv)      The applicant had demonstrated through a sequential test that there are no other suitable employment sites within the vicinity of Keighley to accommodate the proven need.

And in addition to the above, before being referred to the Secretary of State, the Assistant Director, Planning, Transportation and Highways shall produce a list of relevant planning conditions in consultation with the applicant, and thereafter the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Committee, which shall include all appropriate conditions for a development of this scale and nature.  These conditions shall include:

(i)            The provision of maintenance of flood alleviation measures to ensure continued operation.

(ii)          The incorporation of all appropriate sustainable measures that will not preclude the commencement of development.

ACTION:   Assistant Director, Planning, Transportation and Highways