Issue - meetings

1.      The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 23/00815/FUL Hermitage in respect of: Part retrospective.  Change of use of land for the formation of 5 Gypsy/Traveller pitches comprising of 1 mobile home, 1 touring caravan, and 1 utility building per pitch.

2.      Mr Michael Butler introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material planning considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable in planning terms and officers recommended that the Development Manager be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the main and update reports.

3.      The Chairman asked Mr Paul Goddard if he had any observations relating to the application. He highlighted matters regarding access and potential traffic movements.

·      The current access was unauthorised, and a condition was proposed requiring details to be submitted. Highways Officers were satisfied that there was adequate width for the expected vehicles to manoeuvre in and out of the site.

·      The applicants had commissioned speed surveys which had been used to calculate the required sight lines for the access. While the required sightlines were not achieved at this stage, they were achievable because they were within land that was controlled either by the Local Authority or by the applicant. A condition was proposed to ensure the provision of the sightlines.

·      There was a provision of a 1.5 metre wide footway coming from the site and connecting to existing footways to the south. This would be secured by condition, as well as provided by appropriate legal agreements.

·      Highways Officers noted that caravans would stay for long periods, and they considered caravan movements to be infrequent. Expected traffic movements would be three vehicles in and out per pitch per day, equating to 15 additional vehicle movements, and should not cause any traffic issues.

·      Highways Officers had no objection to the proposal.

4.      In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Ms Ruth Cottingham, Parish Council representative, Mr Martin Powers, Objector, and Councillor Heather Codling, Ward Member, addressed the Committee on this application.

Parish/Town Council Representation

5.      Ms Cottingham addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here: Western Area Planning Committee 23 October 2024

Member Questions to the Parish/Town Council

6.      Members asked questions of clarification and were given the following responses:

·       It was confirmed that dialogue had taken place with the applicants - 18 months ago, the Parish Council had hired the local school hall, and many local residents, the owner of the site, and residents of the site were in attendance.

·       It was believed that another Councillor had been in contact with the residents of the site.

Objector Representation

7.      The Committee suspended standing orders to allow Mr Martin Powers to address the Committee, as he had missed the 16:00 deadline to register to speak.

8.      Mr Powers addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here: Western Area Planning Committee 23 October 2024

Member Questions to the Objector

9.      Members did not have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4