Traveller pitch and storage at Land to the North East Side of Burnley Road, Altham

Earlier permissions

Permissions were granted in 2019 and 2020 for an agricultural building, hardstanding and relocated access, but several conditions remain undischarged.

“However, the use of the site could be restricted to a person with PPTS gypsy and traveller status by condition and the application is assessed on this basis. Relevant Planning History The Local Planning Authority granted full planning permission for the erection of the agricultural building and formation of a relocated access and hardstanding by decision notice dated 24 May 2019 1 .”

“Application Reference 11/19/0119. Application Reference 11/20/0309.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, environmental protection, United Utilities and Cadent Gas raised no objection in principle or supported conditions, while the parish council objected.

“Consultation Altham Parish Council: May 2025: Object and have serious concerns as follows: • The access with the busy Burnley Road is not suitable for a regular large volume of traffic, especially larger vehicles and animals. The number of vehicles seen on the application site exceeds the allowance. • The proposed foul drainage could cause serious environmental and health issues. • The proposal would involve the destruction of yet more Green Belt.”

“Hyndburn Borough Council (HBC) Environmental Protection: October 2025: No objection in principle but recommend a condition regarding foul drainage. HBC Policy: No response received (due by 3 June 2025). LCC Highways: February 2026: • The proposal would be reliant on private motor vehicle. • The original planning permission for the agricultural building included a new access, which would improve visibility in the interests of highway safety.”

Officer report

Objections received

Seven objections raised concerns about infrastructure, Green Belt, appearance, biodiversity, highways, drainage, waste, publicity, breaches and precedent.

“In conclusion, they request that the visibility splay drawing is updated and recommend conditions should the application be approved. The recommended conditions relate to the site access and off-site highway works; maintenance of the visibility splays; the erection of the gates; and that vehicles shall enter and leave the site in forward gear. LCC Minerals and Waste Planning Authority (MWPA): No response received (due by 1 July 2026).”

“Impact on biodiversity and green space, including trees and other natural features. • Impact on the local environment. • Impact on highway safety and transport. • Impact on flood risk and drainage. • Impact on waste and recycling. • The proposed development has already commenced. • Concerns about the cumulative impact of gypsy and traveller sites in the area. • Concerns about the lack of publicity, including neighbour notification.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor spoke against the application, while a supporter spoke in favour of its grey-belt, need, location and policy merits.

Members’ discussion

Members said relocating the access must be a compulsory condition in the interest of highway safety.

“Members discussed that the relocation of the access point to the site must be an compulsory condition in the interest of highway safety.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“Resolved – The application was approved subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes