Eight-pitch traveller site at Two Acre Farm, High Halstow, Rochester

What was proposed

The application sought part-retrospective consent for eight additional pitches accommodating 12 caravans and a day room.

“The application seeks part-retrospective planning consent for the extension of the existing Two Acre Farm gypsy and travellers caravan site towards the rear, to facilitate the provision of an additional eight pitches that would accomodate12 caravans and a day room.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions allowed gypsy and traveller accommodation, including three caravans and later an extended family site with four pitches.

“The application site Two Acre Farm is located to the south east of Sharnal Street (A228). The site has been granted permission for use as a site for gypsy and traveller accommodation under planning reference (MC/17/2575 and MC/03/1253).”

“MC/17/2575 Retrospective application for the change of use of land to residential for an extended gypsy family and the subdivision of the plot into four pitches, with the stationing of one mobile/static home and one touring caravan on each pitch, and to include the erection of a stable, ancillary storage buildings and laying of hardstanding. Decision: Approval with conditions Date: 26.10.2017”

Officer report

Concerns raised

Two representations and the parish council raised concerns about fire safety, access, waste, sewage, narrow roads, turning vehicles and existing dumped waste.

“The application has been advertised on site, in the press and by individual neighbour notification to the owners and occupiers of neighbouring properties. High Halstow Parish Council and Medway Fire Service have also been consulted…”

“There are no provisions for waste disposal There is no sewage or septic tanks The road is too narrow to accommodate turning vehicles There have already been lots of complaints about the eye sore of the piles of waste already dumped there.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor raised concerns about access, road condition, waste, foul water treatment and signage.

Members’ discussion

Members debated alleged planning breaches, possible unlawful expansion, site use, infrastructure, enforcement, public health, environmental harm and the need for pitches.

“During the discussion some concerns were raised which included: the history of breaches of planning and this being an attempt to regularise and expand unlawful development; site use was inconsistent with the original permission, with evidence that chalets were being advertised for rent, and not a traditional Traveller site; lack of basic infrastructure with the access road being narrow single-track, with damage already having occurred; no sewage facilities, and no provision…”

“The Chief Planning Officer advised that in relation to any concerns as to whether the current or future occupants were genuine Gypsy/Travellers, officers had visited the site and were satisfied that the occupiers met the policy definition. Additionally, Condition 3 legally restricted the site to Gypsy/Traveller occupation, making this an enforceable condition.”

Minutes