Decision details

Proposal Description: Item 10: Change of use of land to provide eight residential Gypsy and Traveller pitches, each pitch to contain 1 x mobile home and 1 x touring caravan plus associated site works (Retrospective). 

The application was introduced. During public participation, Toby Ross and Councillor Steve Delmege (on behalf of Durley Parish Council) spoke in objection to the application and Tony Castle spoke in support of the application and answered Members’ questions thereon.

Councillor Williams spoke as Ward Member. In summary, Councillor Williams raised the following points:

·       Spoke in objection to the application. There has been opposition to the application due to failure to comply with conditions on previous applications, reported unauthorised connections to the sewer network, reported anti-social behaviour and works being carried out prior to approval.

·       Made reference to reports that the plots were being advertised to the wider public at commercial rates and queried how conditions would be enforced that plots would be designated for travellers and that only travellers should occupy the site.

·       In respect of landscaping in condition 7, the previous plan was never implemented so should they conform to the previous planning application permitted on appeal.

·       Connections to the main sewer – reports of unauthorised connections that have already taken place.

·       Concern that 16 families will occupy the site using touring caravans and have permanent residence as well so suggested a condition that touring caravans are ancillary to the static caravans and that they not be accommodated overnight.

·       Permitted development rights were removed on appeal of the previous planning application and questioned if this would apply to this proposal.

·       Urged the applicant to engage with the Parish Council to concerns on non-material planning matters can be addressed in a neighbourly manner going forward.

In response to questions, the council’s Senior Planning and Litigation Lawyer clarified that the conditions set out in the report would mirror those imposed by the inspector on the appeal decision of the previous application.

The Committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application.

          RESOLVED:

The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report and subject to the following additional wording to condition 2 as set out in (i) below. The precise wording to be delegated to the Chair of Planning Committee in consultation with the Corporate Head of Planning and Regulatory Services.

(i)             Additional wording to condition 2 in respect of touring caravans to read: ‘no overnight, residential, or occupation of any touring caravans whilst stored on site’.