One Traveller pitch at Former Railway Compound Backwell Bow, Backwell

What was proposed

The application sought one Traveller and Gypsy pitch with caravans, a day room, hardstanding, parking, drainage works and a paddock.

“Proposal: Change of use of land from disused railway compound to 1no. Traveller and Gypsy pitch together with the formation of hardstanding, the erection of a day room and creation of a paddock…”

“The Application Full planning permission is sought for one Gypsy Traveller pitch, comprising one static caravan, one touring caravan, a day room, a hardstanding including parking space, a mini foul waste sewage treatment plant and a separate surface water soakaway area. The static caravan is 12.8 metres long and 3.8 metres wide and it will provide one bedroom, a lounge, a kitchen and utility area.”

Officer report

The site

The triangular countryside and Green Belt site adjoins Backwell Bow, railway land and the Festival Way cycle path, with grass, scrub and overhead power lines.

“The Site This triangular site (0.1 of a hectare in area) is in the countryside and Green Belt. The red line on the site location plan which denotes the extent of the planning application site boundary includes a section of the ‘Festival Way’ strategic cycle path (see plan in ‘The Application’ section of this report). Some who have commented on the application say that the cycle path should not be included in the application as the applicant does not own it.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A 2017 house application was refused for Green Belt, locational, railway noise and vibration, and tree-loss reasons; earlier substation applications were approved.

“Relevant Planning History In 2017 planning application ref no. 17/P/0095/F for a house on the site was refused on four grounds; inappropriate Green Belt development, conflict with the locational strategy including harmful impact on character and appearance, failure to address issues of noise and vibration from the railway line, and loss of trees.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council objected on Green Belt, access, flooding, ecology and railway grounds; Network Rail requested safety and drainage measures, while other consultees raised no objections subject to mitigation.

“Consultations Copies of representations received can be viewed on the council’s website. This report contains summaries only. Backwell Parish Council Object on the following grounds: • Outside the Settlement Boundary and in the Green Belt. • The site is on a bend with restricted visibility, and the sites access point crosses Festival Way cycle route, which is unsuitable for large vehicles such as trailers, horse boxes and caravans.”

“Network Rail • The proposed soakaway should be repositioned at least 5 metres away from the boundary with Network Rail land, and it should be designed in accordance with BRE365 based on infiltration testing (also as outlined in BRE365) and subject to the approval of the Local Authority. • Crash barriers or high kerbs should be provided to prevent vehicles accidentally driving or rolling onto the railway or damaging the lineside fencing.”

Officer report

What residents said

There were 47 objections concerning Green Belt harm, highway safety, flooding, ecology, railway risks, sustainability and site suitability, alongside five supporting comments about pitch need and family needs.

“Natural England: No objections subject to mitigation – see Planning Issue 8 of this report ‘Nature Conservation’. Public Comments At the time of preparing this report 52 public comments have been received with 47 objections and 5 in support of the application.”

“In support: • There is a significant need for more Gypsy pitches in the area • The land is high so at no risk of flooding • The previous planning application had no issue with the access • The family and children need access to education and medical needs. • That is a basic human right which they cannot get if they have no permanent pitch. • The local authority has no pitches despite a demonstrated high demand.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent spoke in support, and the ward member’s statement was read by Councillor Dan Thomas in support.

The committee decision

The committee resolved to approve the application in accordance with officers’ recommendation, subject to conditions and possible additional or amended conditions.

“Resolved: That the application be APPROVED in accordance with officers’ recommendation, subject to the following conditions and any other additional or amended conditions as may be required in consultation with the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and local member:”

Minutes