15-pitch traveller caravan site at Duffledown Farm Wyre Piddle Bypass, Upper Moor, Pershore

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective use of land for 12 permanent and 3 transit traveller pitches, including hardstanding.

“The application proposes to change the use of the land for use as a traveller caravan site comprising of 12 permanent residential pitches and 3 transit pitches, including laying of hardstanding. The application is retrospective in part and seeks to regularise the unauthorised works undertaken to date, which includes the laying of hardstanding, and the layout out and occupation of pitches.”

Officer report

The site

The site is north of the bypass near Wyre Piddle and Lower Moor, with shared access to nearby sites and businesses.

“The site is located on the north side of the Wyre Piddle Bypass at Lower Moor Close to both Wyre Piddle and Lower Moor. Access would be shared with the existing traveller site off the roundabout on the A44 and the adjoining agricultural packing plant and a caravan site at Sandfields Farm Ltd on Woodwards Way. The site is shown edged red, below –”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Eight pitches were approved in 2018, while later proposals for 16 mobile homes were refused in 2019 and 2020.

“19/01646/CU. Proposed siting of 16 Mobile homes for residential use. Duffledown Farm, Wyre Piddle Bypass, Upper Moor, Pershore, WR10 2JR. Refusal. October 10 th , 2019”

“19/02642/CU. Proposed siting of 16 Mobile homes for residential use by Gypsies and Travellers, including provision for 16 Touring Caravans. Duffledown Farm, Wyre Piddle Bypass, Upper Moor, Pershore, WR10 2JR. Refusal. December 9 th , 2020”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Eight objections raised concerns including barking dogs, site size, sewage, flooding, hardstanding and rubbish, while one response was neutral.

“The material planning objections raised have been summarised by the case officer to include:”

“Concerns regarding the noise of dogs barking. • The site is already too large. • Concerns regarding problems with the existing sewage system in the area. • The area suffers from surface water flooding and adding additional hardstanding will affect the property of residents in the nearby village when this problem occurs in the…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local member challenged approval, citing the unavailable site visit, possible waste disposal, impermeable hardstanding, existing sites and community scale.

Members’ discussion

Members were disappointed that a site visit was unavailable, while others were satisfied that enforcement officers could access the site.

“PC. The Chairman concluded that it was difficult to come to a decision given that a site visit had not been possible and that it was disappointing that the committee were only able to rely on older pictures.”

“Other members of the Committee were disappointed that a site visit had not been possible but were satisfied that Enforcement Officers could access the site.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee delegated authority to grant permission subject to the report conditions and an added condition controlling transit-pitch occupation.

“To delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to grant planning permission subject to the planning conditions listed in the committee report, with the addition of the condition set out in the Planning Officer’s verbal update to committee, allowing for any subsequent amendments to the obligations and planning conditions as required by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure:”

Minutes

Added condition

The transit pitches must provide temporary accommodation only, with stays limited to 90 days and an occupier register kept.

“The transit pitches hereby approved shall be used solely for the temporary accommodation of Gypsies and Travellers as defined in Annex 1: Glossary of Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (or its equivalent in replacement national policy).”

“A register of the names of all occupiers of the transit pitches, their main place of residence, and the dates of arrival and departure shall be kept up to date by the site operator and made available for inspection by the Local Planning Authority upon request.”

Minutes