Two static caravans at Chestnut Paddocks, Titchfield, Fareham

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission for two static caravans for one traveller family, an equestrian use and a surfaced access track.

“RETROSPECTIVE CHANGE OF USE OF LAND TO A MIXED USE FOR EQUESTRIAN AND A RESIDENTIAL CARAVAN SITE FOR A SINGLE TRAVELLER FAMILY COMPRISING THE STATIONING OF TWO STATIC CARAVANS”

“Description of Proposal 3.1 Planning permission is sought for the following; • Change of use of the land to a mixed-use equestrian and caravan site comprising the stationing of two static caravans to be occupied by one traveller family; • A hardsurfaced access track consisting of road planings (reclaimed asphalt) on top of hoggin subsurface from Titchfield Road.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site is countryside within the Strategic Gap and Area of Special Landscape Quality, with a previous temporary caravan permission and earlier equestrian permissions.

“Site Description 2.1 This application relates to a parcel of land located to the west of Titchfield Road. The site is located within the countryside outside of the defined urban settlement boundaries and within an area designated as Strategic Gap and Area of Special Landscape Quality in the adopted Fareham Local Plan 2037.”

“The application site consists of an access track leading from Titchfield Road to an area of hardstanding which includes a static caravan, a stable block and a storage container. The static caravan was granted a three-year temporary planning permission in 2022 to be occupied by an equine worker.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

A temporary three-year permission was granted in 2022 for an equine worker’s mobile home, following permissions for a manège and stable block.

“P/21/1961/CU - Change of Use of a Welfare Unit to A Three-Year Temporary Permission for The Occupation of a Mobile Home for An Essential Equine Worker. Permission November 2022.”

“P/18/0829/FP - Proposed Erection of a Replacement Stable Block and 'Informal' Extension to the Access Track. Permission September 2018.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the development was modest, suitably located and could be controlled by conditions protecting amenity, landscape, ecology and habitat sites.

“Officers recognise that the proposed development would be sited within an area of designated countryside, an Area of Special Landscape Quality and the Meon Strategic Gap. However, having regard to the modest scale of the development and the siting of the development within the context of neighbouring residential development, Officers are of the opinion that the proposed development would not affect the function or visual appearance of the countryside.”

“The mobile homes shall not be located in any position other than that shown on approved Block Plan drawing no. F-NM-402.02 Rev D. Any replacement mobile home shall meet the definition of a caravan, as defined in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 and the Caravan Sites Act 1968 as amended. REASON: In the interests of the amenities of the area and wider landscape.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

One letter supported the application, while 118 objections raised concerns about policy, landscape, neighbours, highways, drainage, wildlife, flooding and future expansion.

“Representations 6.1 One letter in support of the application has been received and 118 letters of objection from 100 households have been received raising the following concerns:”

“Policy • Would be difficult to resist any future permanent residential development on the site or further caravans; • Need for caravan site in this location has not been demonstrated; • No details regarding drainage, waste water treatment or disposal; • Encroachment into the countryside; • Will degrade the Strategic Gap; • Need for traveller sites has been met elsewhere in the Borough; • Proposal does not comply with local policy;”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee received deputations, and Councillor Mrs P Hayre addressed members on the application.

What members debated

Members focused on the Strategic Gap, landscape and traveller policies, and concluded that the development would significantly affect the Meon Strategic Gap.

“Members discussed the application and the relevant material planning considerations set out in the Officer report at length. Members gave particular consideration to policies DS2 (Strategic Gap), DS3 (Landscape) and HP11 (Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople) of the adopted Fareham Local Plan 2037.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee rejected the officer recommendation by six votes to three, then voted six to three to refuse the application.

“Upon being proposed and seconded the officer recommendation to: -”

“A motion to REFUSE the application was proposed and seconded and voted and CARRIED (Voting: 6 in favour; 3 against)”

Minutes

Why permission was refused

The development was refused because it would significantly affect the integrity of the Meon Strategic Gap, contrary to policy DS2.

“The development will significantly affect the integrity of the Meon Strategic Gap, contrary to Strategic Policy DS2 of the adopted Fareham Local Plan 2037.”

Minutes