Gypsy/Traveller pitch at Coles Lane, Yetminster

“Description of Site / Location A suite of buildings around a yard at the top of Coles Lane. The site lies just outside of the defined development boundary for Yetminster, the settlement boundary being 100m to the south, including the dwellings along the northern side of Coles Lane. Access to the site is via Coles Lane and the site is bounded by a close boarded fence.”

“Background and relevant planning history The proposal follows an application for a certificate of lawfulness P/CLE/2025/01379 which originally sought to establish the lawful use of the site for residential occupation. Insufficient evidence was provided to support the residential occupation of the site, and as such the certificate was issued for 2 of the existing buildings & their mixed-use for agriculture, storage, stables, poultry, and log business, only.”

“P/CLE/2025/01379 - Decision: GRA - Decision Date: 10/06/2025 2 buildings used for mix-use of agriculture, storage, stables, poultry, log business, constructed over 10 years ago.”

“Having considered the information provided by the applicant, consultation responses, other representations made about the application and relevant planning policies, Officers are satisfied that the proposed development would: • (i) help to advance equality of opportunity; (via provision of a Gypsy and Traveller site in a sustainable location, with no significant adverse impacts to character & appearance of the area, flood risk, biodiversity, highways safety) • (ii) assist in…”

“Benefits There is a lack of sites for Gypsy and Traveller households across the district. The application seeks consent for a permanent pitch which would continue to count towards Dorset’s number of pitches and be available to any future occupiers who comply with the definition of a Gypsy or Traveller. The location is sustainable, being within walking distance of Yetminster’s facilities and services. Sustainability…”

“Nutrient Neutrality (and foul drainage arrangements) The site is within the Somerset Levels and Moors Nutrient Catchment. There is an existing Cess Pit on site, associated with the agricultural use of the site. There are existing toilet facilities connected to this cess pit, which have been used by agricultural workers at the site. The day room bathroom is connected to this existing cess pit.”

“The Council’s Environmental Assessment Team have confirmed that as this type of system doesn't release sewage into the ground or to surface water (because it's a cesspit designed to store waste until its removal, rather than being treated on site), that as long as the cess pit is emptied regularly by a registered waste carrier and does not leak or overflow, then there would be no nutrients being added to the catchment if the waste were to be taken outside of any nutrients…”

“Ward Member(s) Cllr Cllr Kippax Concerns raised regarding - drainage & sewage - inconsistencies in application - impact of increased traffic on a narrow lane - lack of consent for current occupation of site…”

“Natural England- At time of draft committee report preparation - waiting final consultation response on Habitats Regulations Assessment. NE confirm that principle of mitigation (disposing of waste outside the catchment and secured by legal agreement) acceptable in principle.”

“Decision: To grant planning permission with conditions for the reasons set out in the officer’s report. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Location plan TRG-472/01 Dayroom Floor plan and elevations Block Plan Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning. 2.”

“Informative: This permission is subject to an agreement made pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 dated ## ## relating to securing waste removal to outside of nutrient catchments.”