One traveller pitch at Willow Tree Stables, Forest Road, Denmead, Waterlooville

What was proposed

The application sought one Gypsy and Traveller pitch with a mobile home, tourer, dayroom, refuse store and horse-keeping use.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the material change of use of the land to a mixed-use for the keeping of horses and the stationing of caravans for residential purposes (mobile home and tourer), the erection of a dayroom ancillary to that use and a small refuse store. The proposal includes 1No. residential pitch to accommodate a Gypsy/Traveller lifestyle.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.13-hectare site lies south of Forest Road, with existing hardstanding, stables, storage, a dog-grooming unit, paddocks and surrounding mixed uses.

“The application site covers approximately 0.13 hectares and is situated to the south of Forest Road. Its northern boundary is defined by established trees and hedgerows. Within the site, an existing access track and area of hard surfacing lead to a forecourt, which accommodates a stable building, a storage container, a small store, and a dog-grooming unit.”

“Beyond the red line boundary, the wider land comprises a menage and grass paddocks. The surrounding stretch of Forest Road features a dispersed pattern of residential properties, agricultural and equestrian uses, as well as some commercial premises.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The site was outside Denmead’s settlement boundary, but officers considered its scale, screening, existing development and location made its impacts acceptable.

“Policy DS1 of the Local Plan Part 1 sets out the overarching Development Strategy for the District. Amongst various other requirements this policy states that development proposals will be expected to make efficient use of land within existing settlements and prioritise the use of previously developed land in accessible locations in accordance with the Development Strategy set out in Policies WT1, SH1 and MTRA1.”

“In this instance, the application site is located within the countryside, outside the defined settlement of Denmead. It is not within a settlement gap or the South Downs National Park. It is considered that the site would be well related to the existing community. Denmead facilities are available with access to schools, healthcare and community groups.”

Officer report

Who spoke

During public participation, one speaker opposed the application and another supported it and answered members’ questions.

Members’ discussion

Members asked questions, debated the application, received legal advice about monitoring and temporary permission, and agreed an amendment to condition 6.

“The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application. During discussion on the item, the Principal Planning Officer Team Leader advised that on page 107 of the agenda pack, condition number 6, contained the following wording "unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority." She advised that this wording was to be removed as the drawings are as considered and potentially approved by members today.”

“The committee received guidance from the Legal Adviser on the City Council's monitoring of condition number 2, in addition he also addressed a proposal concerning the option of a five-year temporary planning permission.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed to grant permission subject to the report and update sheet, two additional conditions and the agreed amendment.

“RESOLVED The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report and the update sheet subject to the additional conditions set out above and the amendment to condition number 6 agreed at the meeting.”

Minutes