Four-pitch traveller site at Land At Stocks Gardens, West Street, Sompting

What was proposed

The application sought a private four-pitch gypsy and traveller caravan site, retaining existing caravans and hardstanding and providing touring-caravan parking.

“Proposal: Change of use of land to a private gypsy and traveller caravan site for 4 pitches, including parking. Retention of existing caravans and hardstanding.”

“Permission is sought to use the site as a private gypsy and traveller caravan site for 4 pitches. The pitches will all be occupied by members of the same family. The application also seeks to retain the existing caravans and hardstanding and to form an area for the parking of touring caravans. The application is retrospective.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is countryside within a Local Green Gap, accessed from West Street, with homes to the north, farmland to the south and east, and stables nearby.

“The site is located in the countryside to the south of West Street and comprises fields which have been used for the keeping of horses. There were previously a number of outbuildings used as offices, stables and storage units on the site but these have been removed following the grant of planning permission to construct…”

“The site lies outside of the built up area boundary and is within the countryside and Local Green Gap between Sompting and Worthing. It is to the south of Sompting village, accessed via a track off West Street. There are residential dwellings to the north, farmland to the south and east and further stables and a riding school to the west.”

Officer report

Earlier planning and existing development

Earlier permission allowed two stables and welfare facilities; unauthorised buildings, mobile homes, a caravan and extensive hardstanding are present, making this a retrospective application.

“A number of unauthorised buildings have been installed including a mobile home occupied by the applicant, a second mobile home occupied by a family member, a caravan occupied by another family member and several outbuildings. Only one of the stable blocks approved under the 2022 permission has been constructed so far. There is also an extensive area of hardstanding.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers found an identified shortage of traveller pitches, suitable access and services, adequate screening, and no significant visual or residential harm, subject to limiting the site to four pitches.

“The site is reasonably well screened by hedgerows and trees on the boundaries and within the site. The existing buildings are not easily visible when approaching the site along the access track off West Street. Due to the contained nature of the development and the natural vegetation around the edge of the site, it is not considered that the open character and appearance of the countryside will be eroded to any significant degree, thereby safeguarding the Local Green Gap.”

“The site lies within the countryside but is reasonably well screened and sufficiently distant from the nearest neighbouring residents to not cause a loss of visual or residential amenity. There is an identified lack of gypsy and traveller sites in the District and the provision of four pitches on this site for use by an extended family would accord with National and District planning policies.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, environmental health, drainage and conservation consultees raised no objection or supported the proposal, while Southern Water requested a drainage condition.

“Environmental Health officer has no objection…”

“Southern Water: Recommend condition - Construction of the development shall not commence until details of the proposed means of foul drainage disposal have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with Southern Water…”

Officer report

What local people said

Ten letters supported the proposal for meeting accommodation need and avoiding local impacts, while one objection raised traffic, parking, noise and privacy concerns.

“Meets a clear need for suitable and authorised sites for Gypsy and Traveller families. ● This proposal offers a practical and responsible way to meet accommodation needs. ● Site is a good location without impacting on local residents ● Applicant is a respectful and considerate neighbour ● Land has been well managed ● Significant time and investment has been made by the applicant to improve and maintain the land ● No parking issues as there is ample space on the site ● No…”

“Increased traffic ● Worsening of parking issues ● Noise disturbance ● Loss of privacy…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Two speakers supported the application, citing parish support, planting, good community relationships and no need for further landscaping or fencing.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the application very favourable; officers clarified drainage, power, future expansion and that touring caravans were linked to the permanent units.

“The Members agreed that this was a very favourable application and there was nothing further to discuss. A proposal was put forward to accept the Officers recommendation and approve, with the amendment to condition 4 and an additional condition (condition 6, as below). This was seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.”

Minutes

The decision and conditions

The committee approved the application, limiting it to four pitches and associated touring caravans, with parking, cycle parking, landscaping and restoration conditions.

“Approved Plans 2. Car parking 3. Cycle parking 4. This permission shall be limited to a maximum of 4no. pitches plus parking/storage for 4no. touring caravans associated with the 4no. mobile homes hereby permitted 5. Hard and soft landscaping details to be submitted and approved. including any new fences 1”

“The mobile homes, associated outbuildings and hardstanding shall be removed from the site on cessation of the use and the land restored to a condition to be agreed with the Local Planning Authority…”

Minutes