Nine caravans at Land North of Clydesdale, Biggs Road, Walsoken, Wisbech

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to add five static caravans and one touring caravan, increasing the site to six static and three touring caravans.

“The application seeks retrospective planning permission for the Intensification of use of existing hardstanding at an existing Gypsy / Traveller site to enable standing of an additional five static caravans and one touring caravan. The proposal includes an extension of the previous site boundary to the east (rear) to increase the overall site area, by approximately 710m2 from the previous consent.”

“Application reference 23/01082/F granted consent under delegated powers for the siting of one residential static caravan and two touring caravans. The site, known as 'Land Next To Clydesdale' in the GTAA provides one G&T pitch. This current retrospective proposal would increase this to a total of six static caravans and three touring caravans on the site at any one time.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is outside development boundaries, in Flood Zones 2 and 3, beside existing caravan uses, agricultural land and a nearby dwelling.

“The application site is outside of any development boundary and within Flood Zones 2 & 3.”

“To the immediate south is a larger mixed site comprising both a dwellinghouse and various mobile homes - three of those pitches (known within that document as Clydesdale, 1 Longacre and 3 Long Acre) are noted in the GTAA 2023 as providing a total of three G&T pitches; however it is understood that caravan site licenses split the site differently and may allow a larger number of caravans on the site as a whole.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier application permitted one static and two touring caravans, while a 2022 proposal for a mobile home and day room was refused.

“23/01082/F: Application Permitted: 14/02/24 - Change of use to station one residential static caravan and two touring caravans to include ancillary Works . - Land North of Clydesdale – DELEGATED DECISION 21/01198/F: Application Refused: 30/09/22 - Proposed mobile home and day room on site - Land North of Clydesdale – DELEGATED DECISION”

Officer report

Responses from consultees

The parish council objected, while the highway authority recommended an access condition and other consultees raised no objection subject to conditions.

“Local Highway Authority: Recommended condition, with the following comments:”

“With reference to the 6 static caravans, I would refer your authority to the transport accessibility considerations previously made for your consideration. However, in relation to the vehicle impact on the highway associated with these types of accommodation.”

Officer report

Objections from residents

Seventeen objection letters raised concerns about intensification, roads, drainage, facilities, the countryside, neighbours, safety and overdevelopment.

“SEVENTEEN letters of OBJECTION (across two rounds of consultation) summarised as follows: • Concern over continued intensification during application process • Out of keeping with surroundings • Concern over retrospective nature of the application • Poor quality road, narrow with no passing places…”

“Lack of infrastructure, facilities and services (doctors etc) • Not an appropriate location • Does not comply with planning policy • Impact on drainage and waste management • Impact on local landscape and environment • Inadequate consultation with the local community about the proposed development • Impacts on and proximity to neighbours • Overdevelopment • Personal safety and security and anti-social behaviour…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector, a parish council representative, a supporter and Councillor Kirk addressed the committee.

The vote

The committee voted eight to one, with four abstentions, to arrange a site visit.

“Councillor Ryves proposed that a site visit be carried out as there were issues in relation to the proximity of residents and it had been raised a number of times the condition of the local roads. In addition, having heard that the sewerage treatment plant was designed to accommodate between 40-60 people, this was a significant number of people who would be using the roads.”

“The Committee then voted on the proposal for a site visit and, after a show of hands was carried 8 votes for, 1 against and 4 abstentions.”

Minutes

Why determination was deferred

Determination was adjourned so members could visit the site before deciding the application at a reconvened meeting.

“RESOLVED: That determination of the application be adjourned, the site visited, and the application determined at the reconvened meeting of the Committee.”

Minutes