Change of Use of Land for the Provision of up to 3 Gypsy Traveller Pitches OR up to 3 Travelling Showpeople Plots (to include construction of new vehicular and pedestrian access and bunding, and a maximum of 1 double amenity block with associated landscaping).

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application for the change of use of land for the provision of up to 3 gypsy traveller pitches or up to 3 travelling show people plots (to include construction of new vehicular and pedestrian access and bunding, and a maximum of 1 double amenity block with associated landscaping) and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area. Members’ attention was drawn to the information contained within the Schedule of Additional letters, which detailed an objection from Network Rail who, due to the close proximity of the site to the footpath level crossing (Whittington 2) and the safety implications for children and young families crossing the railway, recommended the closure or diversion of the footpath crossing.  An amendment to the Planning Officer’s recommendation was also detailed in the Schedule of Additional letters. 

Mr John Wigley, on behalf of local residents spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor Paul Thompson-Lawrence, on behalf of Whittington Parish Council spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Steve Charmley, as local ward councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During his statement, the following points were raised:

·         The access and highways infrastructure was not suitable for large HGV vehicles that would be associated with traveling show people;

·         The proximity of the site to the busy railway line and the associated implications for the safety of residents was a concern;

·         Park Hall/Whittington had already accommodated a large number of gypsy/traveller pitches, compared to the rest of Shropshire; and

·         He thanked officers for listening to the concerns of local residents and if the Committee were minded to approve the application he welcomed the proposal for the site to be managed by Shropshire Council.

The Principal Planning Officer responded to concerns raised by the speakers, by confirming that there was a need for permanent gypsy pitches within north Shropshire and there wasn’t sufficient capacity within the existing site at Park Hall to accommodate more families.   The recommendation that the site be council managed would mean that residents would be able to report any issues, should they arise. 

During the ensuing debate the Committee expressed concerns relating to the suitability of the site, in particular the close proximity to the busy railway line, both in terms of the noise from passing trains and the safety of families and young children living on the site.  The Committee also felt that the site was unsuitable for large HGV vehicles that would be used by traveling show people.  The Committee also raised concerns relating to the visual impact of the site

Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, the Committee unanimously expressed their objection to the proposals, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation, as they did not meet the requirements of the Shropshire Core Strategy and the DCLG Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites Good Practice Guide.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be refused contrary to the Officer’s recommendation for the following reasons:

The proposed site is considered to be contrary to the requirements of CS12 and CS6 in that it does not incorporate suitable design and screening or have suitable access and areas for manoeuvring, the proposal is also contrary to paragraph 26 of the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites by not being well planned or positively enhance the environment and by not promoting opportunities for healthy lifestyles.  Furthermore the close proximity of the site to the railway line would have safety implications contrary to CS6 of the Core Strategy and the advice within the DCLG Designing Gypsy and Traveller Sites Good Practice Guide.