Issue - meetings

Proposal Description: Material Change of Use of Land to a 2 Pitch Gypsy/Traveller Site comprising the siting of 1 Mobile Home, 1 Touring Caravan, and 1 Utility Room per pitch. Retention of hardstanding and fencing. (amended description).

The application was introduced. Members were referred to the update sheet which provided additional information regarding a relevant appeal, ref: APP/L1765/C/23/3320989 (Plot 2, Pony Paddock, Land adjacent to the Chairmakers Arms) which was determined by the Planning Inspectorate on the 1st of October 2025. It was advised that this decision was relevant to this application as the site was closely related to this application and was for a single gypsy/traveller pitch. Further details were set out within the update sheet.

In addition, the case officer informed the committee that the applicant's agent had confirmed that the site was occupied and so recommended that Condition 2 be re-worded to reflect this.

During public participation, Denise Searle spoke in objection to the application, and Councillor Chris Ranger on behalf of Denmead Parish Council spoke in objection to the application and answered members' questions.

The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application. The committee received advice from the Legal Adviser regarding the 5-year supply of traveller site provision and the resulting engagement of the ‘tilted balance’ principle. He also clarified the status of ongoing enforcement appeals, the basis for temporary planning permission, and the considerations related to setting a planning precedent.

RESOLVED

The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report and the update sheet, and subject to the following:

a)    That permission be granted for a temporary, 5-year period.

b)    That an additional condition be included that the site be returned to its original state at the expiry of the five-year period.

c)    That Condition No 2 be amended to require compliance within three months of the date of permission.