DISTRESSING: Planning committee chairman Cllr John Clare A COUNTY planning committee has approved a proposal for two holiday huts in a rural part of the dale – despite its chairman admitting anyone would be “horrified” if the development happened in a garden next to their home. Nine people had objected to plans for two new shepherd’s huts at Lonton, near Mickleton, before officers recommended it for approval by members of the south and west planning committee last week. Planning officer Steve Pilkington told councillors that while the objectors worried about visual impact, noise and light pollution and general disturbance, on balance the development would not have a significant impact on the quality of life of neighbours, nor adversely affect the wider landscape.