Agenda item

Change of use of paddock land to form hardstanding (retrospective) including siting of an additional 1 x mobile home for residential purposes and general alterations to the previously approved scheme P16/S2987/FUL and subsequent amendments P21/S3017/FUL.

Councillor Kantor was not present for the start of this item and therefore did not participate in the debate or vote on this item.

Councillor Heritage stood down from the committee and did not debate or vote on this item following her address of the committee as ward member.

The committee considered planning application P23/S1760/FUL for the change of use of paddock land to form hardstanding (retrospective) including siting of an additional 1 x mobile home for residential purposes and general alterations to the previously approved scheme P16/S2987/FUL and subsequent amendments P21/S3017/FUL, on land at Santannas Place, Watlington Road, Stadhampton.  

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance, and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report, which formed part of the agenda pack for the meeting. 

The planning officer introduced the report and highlighted that the site was located to the east of Stadhampton village and was an established traveller site. The planning officer confirmed that there was no listed building on or neighbouring the site. The application sought to increase the number of mobile homes on the site from one to two and to enlarge the area of hardstanding.

The planning officer informed the committee that policy H14 of the local plan set out that provision of pitches and plots for gypsies and travellers could be delivered through the extension of existing sites to meet the needs of existing residents and their families. The planning officer confirmed that the additional mobile home was required due to the applicant having a growing young family. The mobile home was to be positioned close to the existing which would minimise the visual impact it would have. The officer confirmed that the proposed increase in hardstanding would be used in part for access to the rear paddock and stables and advised that there we no objections from the highways authority.

Councillor Georgina Heritage, a local ward councillor, spoke objecting to the application. Having spoken as local ward councillor, Councillor Heritage then stood down from the committee and did not participate in the debate or vote on this item.

The committee enquired if the granting of planning permission would close the enforcement case for the site. The planning officer advised they did not believe this to be the case. The conditions which have not yet been complied with would be carried over onto this planning permission should it be granted and would still need to be complied with.

The committee noted there was a need for nine additional traveller sites and that the development plan aimed to deliver ten. The committee asked if this additional pitch would be one of those. The planning officer confirmed this was in addition to those set out in the development plan. The officer went on to confirm that policy fully supported additional sites regardless of the delivery of strategic sites.

A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote. 

The committee highlighted that to approve this application would help to address the requirement to provide sites for gypsies and travellers.

RESOLVED: to approve planning application P23/S1760/FUL, subject to the following conditions:

1. Commencement three years - Full Planning Permission

2. Approved plans *

3. Parking & Manoeuvring Areas Retained *

4. Materials as on plan

5. No Trade / Business Use

6. No vehicle over 3.5 tonnes parked or stored

7. Occupancy condition

8. No more than 2 pitches

9. Surface Water drainage works (details required)