Car sales office pod at Clitheroe Cricket Club, Clitheroe

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to retain a car sales office pod, use five parking spaces and create an earth bund.

“The application seeks planning permission for the retention of an existing standalone ‘office pod’ operated by We Buy Any Car for the purchase of vehicles, together with the formation of an earth bund around the pod and the use of five existing parking spaces in connection with the proposed use within the grounds of Clitheroe Cricket Club.”

“Vehicle storage associated with the use is accommodated within five existing parking spaces located to the west of the pod. Vehicles are stored within these spaces on a temporary basis pending collection.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier office pod application was refused in 2022, after which the pod was moved and later returned to the cricket club.

“Planning permission was previously sought for the office pod under application 3/2022/0947.The application was refused in December 2022 for the following reason:”

“Following the refusal, it is understood that the pod was removed from the site and relocated to the Homebase store in Clitheroe. Following the closure of that premises, the pod returned to Clitheroe Cricket Club in February 2025. Planning permission is now sought for its retention.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the development harmed the area’s character and appearance and could damage a protected oak tree.

“For the reasons set out above, the proposed development is considered to conflict with Policy DMG1 of the Ribble Valley Core Strategy and Policies DP3 and N2 of the National Planning Policy Framework.”

“Whilst the proposal would provide some economic benefits through supporting the continued functioning of the Cricket Club, these benefits are not considered sufficient to outweigh the identified harm to the character and appearance of the area and to protected trees. On balance, the adverse impacts arising from the development are considered to substantially outweigh its benefits and, accordingly, the application is recommended for refusal.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support, and Councillor D O’Rourke also spoke in support of the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to approved plans and a requirement to remove the development and restore the land by 25 September 2031.

“The operational development/use authorised by this permission shall be removed/discontinued and the land restored to its former condition on or before 25 th September 2031.”

“INFORMATIVE: The planning unit to which this permission relates includes the land within the confines of the red edge indicated on the approved Location Plan (CCC.1183.3659 - 06) only and no other land within the Clitheroe Cricket Club site.”

Minutes