Issue - meetings

1.      The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 23/01045/FUL in respect of a retrospective: Change of use of land to a Gypsy/Traveller site comprising the siting of 1 mobile home, 1 touring caravan, the erection of 1 dayroom, (Proposed) alongside the retrospective erection of 1 stable building for private equestrian use.

2.      Cheyanne Kirby 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 noted the following:

·       The existing access to the site was substandard with regard to sight lines to the south. However, the previous use for the site was for a landscape garden business which was likely to have similar, if not more, vehicle usage than the proposed use.

4.      In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Councillor Adrian Abbs, Parish Council representative and Mr Peter Brownjohn, agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Parish/Town Council Representation

5.      Councillor Adrian Abbs addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 19 February 2025 (22:55)

Member Questions to the Parish/Town Council

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

·       Councillor Abbs clarified that he was speaking on behalf of the Parish Council.

Applicant/Agent Representation

7.      Mr Peter Brownjohn addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 19 February 2025 (26:28)

Member Questions to the Applicant/Agent

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

·       The land was designated as open countryside outside of the settlement boundary.

·       The definition of a traveller was as defined in the PPTS in December 2024. People of nomadic habit regardless of ethnicity.

·       The applicant travelled for nomadic purposes but was also a gypsy traveller.

·       The definition of nomadism was nomadic travel for economic purposes.

·       The retrospective element of the case was due to the fact that the applicant’s wife had significant medical concerns that meant they needed a settled base quickly.

Member Questions to Officers

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

·       Paul Goddard advised that the access would have been refused outright had it been a new application over safety concerns. However, as it was an existing access it was difficult to reject.

·       Cheyanne Kirby noted that at the time, the Council was one traveller pitch short of the required number. However, a further 18 would have to be found by 2038.

·       Cheyanne Kirby advised that the kitchen garden wall formed part of the wider Sandleford Park estate that was located on the site. It had been overgrown and hidden, but the clearing undertaken by this application had helped to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3