Change of use of land for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes for 3no. gypsy pitch together with the formation of hardstanding/parking and a utility/dayroom ancillary to that use

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application for the change of use of land for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes for 3no. gypsy pitch together with the formation of hardstanding/parking and an utility/dayroom ancillary to that use 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. The Technical Specialist Planning Officer reported that condition 7 required amending to require foul water drainage scheme to be implemented in accordance with approved plans prior to occupation

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

Councillor Len Staines, on behalf of Wem Rural 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 Pauline Dee, as local ward councillor, made a statement and then moved to the back of the room, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During their statement, the following points were raised:

·         The planning officer’s report did not take into consideration the concerns of local residents, who had strong objections to the proposals;

·         The site was not sustainable and the local primary school had reached capacity;

·         The site was not suitable, due to its proximity to a busy road and a noisy builder’s yard; and

·         Her concerns related to both local residents and the families living on the site.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Chris Mellings, as local ward councillor, made a statement and then moved to the back of the room, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During their statement, the following points were raised:

·         The site was situated on a busy road

·         The site was located in open countryside; and

·         Questioned whether the site was sustainable in terms of its proximity to local services.

The Principal Planning Officer and the Technical Specialist Planning Officer responded to concerns raised by speakers, by drawing member’s attention to CS12 of the Shropshire Core Strategy, bullet point 3 stating that a strong local connection had been demonstrated.  Shropshire Council’s Public Protection Team had advised that a condition requiring the provision of an acoustic barrier along the boundary adjacent to the commercial site be included.  The Technical Specialist Planning Officer reminded the Committee that the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) 2017 had yet to be subjected to examination as part of the Local Plan review process and as such was open to challenge.

Having considered the submitted plans, listened to the comments made by all of the speakers and the advice given by officers and noting that the family had lived on their current plot at Manor House Lane for many years, without any history of neighbour disputes or anti-social behaviour Members expressed their support for the Officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 and an amendment to Condition 7 to require foul water drainage scheme to be implemented in accordance with approved plans prior to occupation