Car sales business at Land Off Greenways, Flordon

“This retrospective application seeks planning permission for the change of use of land to a car sales business (Use Class Sui Generis) and includes the retrospective installation of close board fencing and office unit.”

“The site is being used for the display and storage of vehicles for sale, together with a container unit used for office and security purposes. The submitted information indicates that a maximum of approximately 30 vehicles would be stored on site at any one time. Vehicle deliveries occur either by individual drivers or occasional low- loader transporters, with sold vehicles often being delivered directly to customers.”

“The application site comprises a parcel of land located off Greenways Lane, Flordon, situated between the highway and the adjacent railway line. Greenways Lane is a narrow rural lane serving a number of residential properties, agricultural land and farm holdings. The surrounding area is predominantly rural in character, comprising open countryside, residential properties and agricultural operations.”

“The Local Planning Authority is also unable to conclude that adequate foul and surface water drainage arrangements are available to serve the development. Despite requests from Environmental Quality, no details have been provided regarding the disposal of foul sewage or the management of surface water drainage.”

“Accordingly, the proposal is considered contrary to the development plan when read as a whole, and is contrary to the policies contained within the NPPF and is recommended for Refusal and to Authorise Enforcement Action…”

“Objects to the proposal. Notes that Greenways Lane is a narrow rural unclassified road, approximately 2.5 metres in width, with limited passing opportunities, no footways and no street lighting. The Highway Authority considers the road network unsuitable to accommodate the increased traffic associated with the proposed car sales use, including the potential use of vehicle transporters.”

“Objects to the application, seeks further information on lighting, sewage, and details of maintenance and servicing of cars in preparation for sales.”

“Decision : Members voted unanimously for refusal and to authorise Enforcement Action…”

“The development introduces a commercial and urbanising form of development that is incongruous within the open countryside. The proposal is out of character with the rural setting and would fail to conserve the character and appearance of the Wymondham Settled Plateau Farmland Landscape Character Area, contrary to Policy DP3 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies 2 and 3 of the Greater Norwich Local Plan and Policies DM1.4 and DM3.8 of the South Norfolk Local…”