Agenda item

Planning Application 18/01803/FUL - Land OS 1449 Gore Lane, Pitney

Minutes:

Proposal: The change of use of land to 2 No. Gypsy / Traveller pitches comprising 2 No. mobile homes, 2 No. touring caravans, and associated works

 

The Specialist, Development Management, introduced his report and advised that since writing his report, he had received a letter of objection from a solicitor representing 72 local residents and a further letter and a petition raising concerns about local flooding.  He said that although the Local Plan target of 28 pitches by 2028 had already been met, it was only a target and not a maximum figure. He noted that the Highway Authority had not raised any objections and although there were issues at a nearby water treatment pumping station, it was proposed the site be served by its own package treatment plant.  Local flooding had been raised as an issue, but, the site was within Flood Zone 1 and so acceptable.  He proposed the application be granted permission.

 

The Committee were addressed by 6 local residents and a representative of the Parish Council.  Their comments included:-

 

·         The application was beyond the boundary of the village, which had no shop, public transport or healthcare.

·         There were already 5 gypsy pitches in the parish which meant a ratio of 1:32 people and if the permission was granted this would increase to 1:17.

·         The site was proposed to have 2 static, 2 touring and two day rooms for one family.

·         There was no evidence of a travelling lifestyle except the information in the report.

·         No height was specified for the caravans and they may be raised higher because of local flooding.

·         No consideration had been given to the existing ecology at the site.

·         The site is wet and prone to surface water flooding which would be a significant health and safety risk.

 

The Committee were addressed by a representative of the applicants in support of the application.  Their comments included:

 

·         This was a small two pitch site for a small family whose children were already attending a local school and their father.

·         The planting to screen the site had already been done and the site would be kept clean and tidy.

·         There was need for gypsy and traveller sites and this one would be funded by the family.

 

The Ward Member, Councillor Gerard Tucker, advised that the nearby water pumping station was inoperable at times of flooding as it sat in the lowest part of the village.  He noted the number of local objections to the proposed site and the need to respect the views of the Parish Council.  He showed to maps from the Environment Agency indicating local flooding and questioned why they had not commented on the site.

 

During a brief discussion, Members felt the site was unsuitable in open countryside, remote from local services and in close proximity to the water treatment plant.  It was noted that a package water treatment plant would not work if it was submerged in floodwater. 

 

It was proposed and seconded to refuse planning permission for the following reasons:

 

·         Harm to the character and appearance of the countryside

·         Mass of development and impact on site

·         Evidence of Surface water flooding at the site

·         Unsustainable location

 

At the conclusion of the debate, the proposal to refuse was put to the vote and carried by 7 in favour, 1 against, 0 abstentions.

 

RESOLVED:

That planning application 18/01803/FUL be REFUSED, contrary to the officer recommendation, for the following reasons:

 

01.      Evidence of surface water flooding at the site

02.      Harm to the character and appearance of the countryside.

03.      Unsustainable location

04.      Harm to the character and appearance of the countryside

 

(Voting: 7 in favour, 1 against, 0 abstentions)

Supporting documents: