Temporary staff parking at Land South Of Kitnocks Hill, Curdridge

What was proposed

Temporary permission was sought to use existing hardstanding for staff parking serving Silverlake Garage, with space for up to 40 vehicles.

“The application seeks temporary planning permission for the existing hardstanding on site to be used as parking for the staff of Silverlake Garage (Motor Salvage) staff. The hardstanding has been used for parking since 2018, and this application seeks to regularise the existing arrangement for a temporary period of 3 years. The parking plan identifies that the hardstanding can accommodate up to 40 vehicles. The existing vehicular access is to be retained and used.”

Officer report

The site

The site forms part of a farm beside the A334, with an agricultural barn, existing hardstanding, surrounding fields, nearby homes and tree screening.

“The application site forms part of Kitnocks Farm, which is located on the southern side of A334, close to the junction of Kitnocks Hill and Lake Road. The site is situated within a valley with the land rising steeply to the east and west. The application site comprises an agricultural barn with associated hardstanding. The site is accessed via a gated bellmouth junction set back within a lay-by situated off the A334.”

Officer report

Planning history

A barn and associated hardstanding were permitted in January 2025; earlier applications for agricultural storage were permitted in 2008 and refused in 2008.

“24/00731/FUL - Erection of agricultural barn and associated hardstanding (Amended Plan) – Permitted 15/01/2025 • 08/02031/FUL - Erection of barn for agricultural storage (RESUBMISSION) – Permitted 17/10/2008 • 08/00963/FUL - Erection of an agricultural barn for storing fertilizer, hay and machinery – Refused 16/06/2008”

Officer report

What consultees said

The ecology, environmental health and highway consultees raised no objection or recommended conditions, including controls on lighting, biodiversity and visibility splays.

“Service Lead – Public Protection (Environmental Health) – No objection - No objections in relation to contaminated land. - Agricultural vehicles can lawfully use the site and are more prone to leak and could be serviced within the barn. - The permission is temporary and very low risk of contamination.”

“Hampshire County Council (Highway Authority) – No objection subject to condition • Satisfied that the proposal will not have a significant impact upon the highway. • Recommend a condition requiring visibility splays to be kept free of obstacles at all times in the interests of highway safety.”

Officer report

Objections raised

A neighbouring parish objected over policy conflicts, parking and transport, environmental risks, great crested newts, pollution, the barn condition and possible over-intensification.

“Shedfield Parish Council as the neighbouring parish objects to the application on the following grounds: - Lack of policy justification and conflict with Policy MTRA4. - Non-compliance with policy DM18. - Conflict with policy DM10 as the use is ancillary to a non-agricultural business. - Environmental harm to Great Crested Newts. - Pollution risks from vehicular pollution and surface runoff – site is close to nearby watercourses (river).”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor speaking for Curdridge Parish Council objected to the application and answered members’ questions.

Members considered the proposal

The committee asked questions and debated the application before reaching its decision.

“The Committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Permission was granted for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.

“The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report.”

Minutes