Gypsy traveller plot at Land East Of Oak Meadow, New Drove, Wisbech St Mary

What was proposed

The application proposed one gypsy traveller plot with a mobile home, two touring caravans and a new access onto New Drove.

“F/YR25/0517/F Applicant: [the applicant]: [name withheld] Design La nd East of Oak Meadow, New Drove, Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire Change of use of land to 1 x gypsy traveller's plot involving the siting of 1 x mobile home and 2 x touring caravans O fficer recommendation: Refuse Reason for Committee: Referred by Head of Planning on advice of Committee Chairman 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1. The application seeks the change of use of land to provide 1no.”

“The application seeks the change of use of land to provide 1no. gypsy traveller plot including the siting of 1no. mobile home and 2no. touring caravans. The submitted drawings identify a new access to be created onto New Drove. The proposed mobile home is located close to the north-eastern boundary of the site, with the touring caravans to be located on the south-western boundary of the site. 3.3.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

There was no relevant planning history for the site.

“There is no site history relevant to the determination of this application.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

The Environment Agency objected on flood-risk grounds; highways and ecology raised no objections, the parish council supported the scheme, and residents submitted support and objections.

“Environment Agency – 25.07.25 We have reviewed the documents as submitted and we object in principle to this planning application as it falls within a flood risk vulnerability category that is inappropriate to the Flood Zone in which the application site is located. The application is therefore contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). We recommend that planning permission is refused on this basis.”

“FDC Ecology – 20.08.25 No objection subject to BNG condition. Local Residents/Interested Parties A total of 5 letters of support were received from residents of Stow Road, New Drove & North Brink in Wisbech, Spalding, King’s Lynn.”

Officer report

Who spoke to the committee

The agent and applicants described family, health, housing and cultural needs, local connections, flood mitigation and support for the proposal.

What members debated

Members considered the personal circumstances, the district’s pitch shortfall, flood mitigation, the Flood Zone 1 area and local support.

“Members asked officers the following questions: • David Rowen responded to the question asked by Councillor Imafidon and confirmed that the photographs were taken at the end of July. • Councillor Mrs French asked officers to confirm whether they have taken the personal circumstances of the applicants into consideration? Tom Donnelly stated that in paragraph 9.2 of the report it refers to the fact that personal circumstances were provided in the form of a confidential…”

“Councillor Imafidon stating that having heard the personal circumstances he will be supporting the application, and he added that the agent has explained that part of the site is located within Flood Zone 1. He does not feel the issue of flooding due to part of the site being in Flood Zone 3 is relevant as the family could move if required into the lesser zone and he will support the application.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members agreed a proposal to grant permission against the officer recommendation, with authority delegated to officers to add appropriate conditions.

“Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Imafidon and agreed that the application be GRANTED against the officer’s recommendation with authority delegated to officers to add appropriate conditions.”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was granted because members considered there was a shortage of and need for traveller sites.

“Members did not support the officer’s recommendation of refusal as they feel that there is a shortage of and a need for sites for travellers.”

Minutes