Six-pitch traveller site at Land at Clover Park, Acresford Road, Netherseal

What was proposed

The application proposed changing equestrian land into six traveller pitches, with caravans, parking, landscaping and a shared day room.

“The red line area lies within Flood Zone 1, though the gravelled area beyond within the blue line comprises areas in Flood Zones 2 and 3. To the south west the site abuts an existing gypsy and traveller site in the ownership of the applicants. The proposal The application proposes to change the use of the site into a residential gypsy and traveller site comprising 6 pitches each with provision for a static caravan, a touring caravan and parking provision.”

“The day room proposed is of a single storey design with a gable roof. It is proposed to measure 12m by 6m and have a footprint of 72m2. The building would have a maximum height to the ridge of 4.35m and 2.4m to the eaves. Internally it would provide a day room, play room, shower room and kitchen all arranged off a hall to the eastern elevation. All rooms would be served by windows and patio doors to the southern elevation would provide an additional access to the day room.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered that identified traveller need, school access, revised flood arrangements, drainage measures and biodiversity benefits outweighed the limited landscape harm.

“The site is considered to be reasonably well located and benefits from good road connections to the nearby settlement and provision for primary school education. The site would provide 6 pitches to contribute towards identified need within the district on a site extending to around 0.18 ha, which is considered to be an appropriate density whilst delivering much needed pitches on a site previously approved for equestrian use.”

“Environmentally the development has been revised to enable the reinstatement of land levels within flood zones 2 and 3 and the development has been screened out for significant effects on the River Mease SAC. The development would not adversely impact protected or priority species and whilst there would be some harm to the landscape character of the area, this is not significant given the screening and the site does not lie within a nationally designated landscape area.”

Officer report

What people said

Public comments raised concerns about enforcement, drainage, flooding, landscape, biodiversity, local services, schools, consultation, previous permissions and the availability of other sites.

“The Local Planning Authority had not given any good and proper reason for allowing the site, it was because of the Council’s incompetency in providing a plan for traveller sites that it approved sites to minimise failings. The lack of enforcement was contributing to more.”

“The impact on local services and amenities and concerns regarding the capacity at local schools…”

Minutes

Who spoke

The Planning Delivery Team Leader presented the application, and Councillor Wheelton addressed the committee as local ward member on residents’ concerns.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed grassland loss, landscape views, flooding, pressure on public services and the proposed short-term cesspit arrangements.

“Members of the Committee discussed the Application and raised concerns regarding the loss of grassland, the visual impact on the landscape, flooding and the increased pressure on local public services and sought clarity regarding the cesspit arrangements.”

“The Planning Delivery Team Leader clarified that the Environment Agency had worked with the Applicant regarding the flood plan which would be subject to conditions, that families of the site had already registered with GP surgeries and children attended local schools.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved planning permission in line with the Head of Planning’s recommendations.

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be approved as per the recommendations in the report of the Head of Planning.”

Minutes