Showground access road at Harwood Lane, Great Harwood

“The application is made by the Great Harwood Agricultural Show Society in respect of land within their sole ownership in connection with the use of land as a showground. The applicant states that the development is required to support the hosting of Great Harwood Agricultural Show and a small number of other events throughout the year.”

“11/22/0053 Full: Provision of crushed stone surfacing of cross-field track and hardstanding area to improve access and parking in connection with occasional use of land at Great Harwood Showground. Refused 31/05/2023”

“09/0039. GROUND STABILISATION TO ENABLE PROVISION OF VEHICLE ACCESS ROADS FOR USE BY GREAT HARWOOD AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR STAGING OF SHOW. A/C 11.03.2009”

“Taking into account the above, the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt and in conflict with the purposes of the Green Belt identified by NPPF in paragraph 143, namely: c) by failing to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. The proposed development would result in some harm to the openness of the Green Belt as well as resulting in visual harm to the surrounding area and interference with Public Rights of Way.”

“There are no details submitted with this application however I am aware that the access via All Springs Drive is used as the main access to the ground for visitors to the agricultural show to accommodate the high volume of traffic. The access is used in conjunction with temporary traffic management routinely supplied by Kays Traffic Management Company on the surrounding highway network to manage the high volume and flow of traffic.”

“Conclusion Lancashire County Council acting as the Highway Authority does not raise an objection regarding the proposed development and are of the opinion that the proposed development can be accommodated on the highway network with the temporary traffic management measures as detailed above and conditions below.”

“Cadent Gas: Holding objection to enable investigation if permission is granted.”

“Neighbouring consultations: A letter was sent to All Springs Hall and no letters were received in response. A site notice was placed in the area and no letters were received.”

“The land has a moderate downward incline to the east – around half the length of the road (starting from the access gate) would be across this open, downward sloping land. The land is presently open grassland. It retains a rural character. From lower vantage points it forms the foreground of a significant landscape comprised in a treed hillside. It is part of a distinct rural scene. This forms part of the setting of Great Harwood.”

“Public Rights of Way FP114092 crosses the new access road within the site and FP1104001 runs along the lane. Para 105 of the NPPF states that Planning policies and decisions should protect and enhance public rights of way and access, including taking opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails.”

“The letter raised concerns about the details of the officer report and added additional information which had not been included in the original application.”

“Members decided by unanimous decision in light of the new information it would be best to defer the application to allow Planning Officers to address the applicant.”