Change of use of land for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes for 3 no. gypsy pitches together with the formation of additional hard standing and utility/dayrooms ancillary to that use

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application for the change of use of land for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes for 3 no. gypsy pitches together with the formation of additional hard standing and utility/dayrooms ancillary to that use and drew Members’ attention to the schedule of additional letters, which included additional correspondence from Hinstock Parish Working Group, summarizing the objections of residents of Hinstock.  The Principal Planning Officer confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to view the site and assess the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area. 

Ms. S. Tucker, on behalf of objectors, spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees during which the following points were raised:

                  i.        The development was separated from the nearby settlement of Hinstock by the busy A41 trunk road and was in open countryside;

                 ii.        Locals questioned the extent to which occupants would become integrated into the local community;

                iii.        The proposals did not comply with Policy CS12 of the Shropshire Council Core Strategy in that deliberate isolation had not been avoided as the site would be physically and visually separated by the A41 trunk road;

                iv.        The development was inappropriate in terms of its pattern, design and was contrary to Policy CS6 of the Shropshire Council Core Strategy and did not meet the criteria to be considered sustainable development; and

                 v.        The development was sporadic, unsustainable, alienating and in open countryside.

Councillor Mark Williams, representing Hinstock Parish Council, spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees during which the following points were raised:

                          i.        The site was a green field site and therefore in open countryside;

                         ii.        The proposed development was not in accordance with Paragraph 23 of the Planning Policy for Travellers Sites;

                        iii.        The applicant had not provided details of proposed occupants so the criteria in Policy CS12 had not been met;

                        iv.        There was no evidence of a connection to Shropshire or the surrounding area;

                         v.        The nearby sewage treatment plant was operating to capacity;

                        vi.        There was no information on smell or noise;

                      vii.        The site was not covered by public transport and the local school was full;

                     viii.        Alternative sites were available; and

                        ix.        138 local residents had made representations at a recent public meeting, which indicated strong local opposition.

Mr Matthew Green, agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees during which the following points were raised:

                      i.        The site was clearly close to the village;

                    ii.        There were always large numbers of objections to the development of sites of this nature, but this wasn’t a reason to refuse the application;

                   iii.        The presumption in favour of sustainable development was engaged;

                   iv.        Acoustic Fencing could be conditioned if considered necessary by the Committee; and

                    v.        There were no reasons to refuse the application.

In response to concerns raised regarding the potential for problems with odour from the nearby sewage treatment plant, the Principal Planning Officer explained that Shropshire Council’s Public Protection Officer had visited the site and confirmed that the sewerage treatment plant would not cause harm to future residents. 

The Principal Planning Officer responded to concerns raised in relation to a previous planning application for a residential dwelling on the site, that had been refused and explained that the Policies relating to Gypsy and Traveller sites allowed greater flexibility although it was necessary to ensure that the scale of the site did not dominate the local area and it was felt that in this particular case it did not, the location of the site also allowed integration into the community of Hinstock.

In response to a question, the Principal Planning Officer, explained that a Condition in relation to restricting business activities had been included and it was not considered necessary to include a condition to provide acoustic fencing.

Having considered the submitted plans for the proposal, the majority of Members expressed their support for the officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That Planning Permission be granted in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.