84 seasonal worker caravans at Sturton Grange Farm, Micklefield, Leeds

What was proposed

The application sought to retain 84 caravans for seasonal workers employed on an existing soft fruit farm for a further temporary period.

“PROPOSAL: 3.This application seeks planning permission to retain 84 static caravans for occupation by seasonal workers employed on the existing soft fruit farm. Makins grow strawberries using hydroponic and tabletop production techniques which involve crops being grown in narrow troughs raised on metal legs covered by Spanish style polytunnels to protect the crop from the weather.”

“There is a significant drop in workforce numbers between the months of October to April where the workforce is involved in the construction, dismantling and covering/ uncovering of the polytunnels and maintenance of the equipment associated with hydroponics and table-top production. 5.The seasonal workers caravans are centrally located within the farm holding, positioned adjacent to existing agricultural buildings and sited away from nearby residential properties.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The caravans were previously approved for temporary periods in 2009, 2012, 2016 and 2019, with the latest permission lasting six years.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY: 10.The application site has an extensive long planning history, and the following applications are of relevance: 11.19/05155/FU Variation of condition 1 (temporary time limit) of planning permission 16/03394/FU for the retention of 84 caravans in connection with an existing soft fruit farm - Approved (29/11/19) 12.16/03394/FU Retention of 84 caravans in connection with an existing soft fruit farm - Approved (25/08/16) 13.11/05424/FU Variation of…”

“20.08/00988/FU Use of land for siting of seasonal workers caravans and an additional 24 ha of polytunnels to farm - Approved (18/03/09) 21.06/03097/FU Change of use of agricultural land for siting of 60 caravans for seasonal agricultural workers - Refused (07/08/06) (On grounds of inappropriate development in the Green Belt; access concerns; visually unacceptable; could adversely affect archaeological remains; adversely affect public footpath) 22.33/1/05/FU Laying out of…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval for six years because the seasonal workforce remained essential, the site was considered Grey Belt, and impacts could be controlled by conditions.

“The proposed development seeks to retain the seasonal workers caravans granted temporary permission in 2009, 2012, 2016 and 2019. The applicant has set out that the caravans are needed to accommodate the seasonal workforce who are essential to the success and viability of the soft fruit enterprise.”

“Conclusion on whether inappropriate development in the Green Belt 74.In conclusion, the relevant criteria contained in para.155 of the NPPF are met and this development does not fall to be considered as inappropriate development in the Green Belt. As such there would be no conflict with national Green Belt planning policies in the NPPF.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

Highways, flood risk, agricultural, transport, housing and communications consultees raised no objections, and no representation letters were received.

“September 2025. No letters of representation have been received. CONSULTATION RESPONSES: 27.Highways: No objection, subject to previous conditions being carried forward. 28.Flood Risk Management: No objection. 29.Public Rights of Way: No comments received. 30.Land and Property (Agricultural Surveyor): No objection, continuation of nature, scale and labour requirements of business. 31.Environmental Studies (transport strategy): No objection.”

“34.Open Spaces Society: No comments received. 35.Ramblers Association: No comments received. PLANNING POLICIES: LOCAL PLANNING POLICY AND GUIDANCE The Development Plan 36.Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act states that for the purpose of any determination to be made under the Planning Acts, the determination must be made in accordance with the plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No one spoke either for or against the application.

The vote

Members unanimously supported the officer recommendation with an additional condition seeking caravan details on ventilation, room sizes and insulation.

“Upon voting, a motion was put forward to move the officer recommendations with an additional condition in relation to requesting details to include ventilation, room sizes and standard of insulation in the caravans.”

Minutes

What was decided

The application was deferred and delegated for approval, subject to Secretary of State referral and no call-in, with an additional caravan amenity condition.

“The report recommended to the Panel that the matter be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer for approval subject to referral of the application to the Secretary of State as a Departure from the Statutory Development Plan and should the Secretary of State decide not to call in the application for determination.”

Minutes

Conditions on the caravans

The caravans must meet recognised standards for residential quality and temporary or seasonal use, alongside limits on numbers, occupancy and agricultural use.

“Reason: As the Local Planning Authority wishes to keep control over the siting and use of caravans within the holding and the green belt. 4)The caravans hereby permitted shall be used for no purpose other than to accommodate temporary agricultural workers employed on the agricultural holding as shown on plan No. 608-15-LP01 (Location Plan) and no caravan shall be used as a main or principal residence of any owner, occupier or tenant.”

“15)The seasonal worker caravans hereby approved shall at all times, as outlined in Robert Doughty Consultancy email (L Smith, dated 5th December 2025 and the accompanying statement by the caravan supplier Euro-Statics Ltd), comply with the requirements of either British Standard BS 3632:2015 (Residential Park Homes) or EN 1647 (European Standard for caravan holiday homes (static caravans) intended for temporary or seasonal use) and any subsequent revision of those standards.”

Officer report