Two-pitch traveller site at Land To The East of Sunny View Dunkirk Way, Backford, Chester

What was proposed

The retrospective application sought two family traveller pitches, each with a static caravan and trailer, associated works and access from Dunkirk Way.

“This retrospective application is for the change of use of land to a traveller site comprising 2 residential caravan pitches (each comprising 1 static caravan and 1 trailer caravan), with associated operational development and access through the existing opening onto Dunkirk Way.”

Officer report

Site and surroundings

The site lies within the Ellesmere Port settlement boundary, beside agricultural land, homes, electricity lines, a gas pipeline and established transport links.

“The application site within an area of 0.215 hectares is located to the East of Sunnyview, Dunkirk Way, Backford. The site is located within the settlement boundary of Ellesmere Port designated in the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan (Policy EP1). The site is crossed by overhead electricity lines running between pylons to the north and west.”

“The site is surrounded by agricultural land to the rear which is crossed by a high- pressure gas pipeline and electricity lines . The closest neighbouring property is the dwelling to the west (The Crossens) which shares a boundary with the site. There is a residential area (Rosemere Drive/Kinnington Way) to the east.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection, while the noise consultee objected because information about noise standards was insufficient and biodiversity conditions were requested.

“Environmental Protection Unit (noise) – objects to the proposal on the basis of insufficient information…”

“Biodiversity Officer – no objection subject to conditions in respect of external lighting, biodiversity enhancement and precautionary working measures and details of planting…”

Officer report

Objections received

Residents raised concerns about traffic, flooding, drainage, pipelines, character, safety, antisocial behaviour, noise, lighting, biodiversity, privacy and local services.

“Issues raised in representations are summarised as follows:”

“Breach of planning condition under 23/02807/DIS (which relates to the adjacent site) • Increase in highway safety problems and traffic, including poor visibility and conflict with existing highway users • The site is susceptible to flooding • The site has drainage issues • Impact on the character of the area • The development causes visual and landscape harm • Concerns over personal/community safety and increase fear of crime in the area • Increase antisocial behaviour in…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke for the application and the ward councillor spoke about it after a remote site inspection.

Members’ discussion

Members asked whether the retrospective nature of the application should affect their decision, and officers said it should not.

“Agenda Item 7. The site had been the subject of a remote site inspection. The application was recommended for approval by the Head of Planning and Place Making. [name withheld] spoke on this item as the agent. Councillor Wheeler spoke on the item as the Ward Councillor. Noting the nature of this application being a retrospective one, members asked if this should influence their decision making.”

Minutes