Agenda item

Application: 2022/0880/COU

Location: Oakview Stables, Daw Lane, Appleton Roebuck

Proposal: Change of use for temporary siting of a static caravan.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application which had been brought before the Planning Committee as more than 10 letters of representation had been received, which raised material planning considerations and Officers would otherwise determine the application contrary to these representations.

Members noted that the application was for the change of use for the temporary siting of a static caravan.

Members noted the Officer Update Note which explained that, contrary to the evidence expected prior to the Committee meeting, a letter from the Applicant’s Accountant had been received advising that they were not yet in a position to prepare the accounts for the year ending 31 March 2022. The letter from the Accountant expressed support for the application and confirmed that the Applicant had run the business successfully for almost 30 years and that, in their opinion, it was successful and viable.

The Committee acknowledged that the Agricultural Consultant had not identified an essential need for the siting of a static caravan for financial reasons but questioned whether reasons such as animal husbandry or security had been considered. Members also asked the Senior Planning Officer whether the existing hard standing had planning permission and whether any temporary structures had occupied the area previously.

The Senior Planning Officer concurred that the Agricultural Consultant had not identified sufficient financial need for the siting of a static caravan and added that the Agricultural Consultant had considered animal welfare and security but had concluded that business case for a permanent presence was not currently justified but further detail and evidence from the Applicant could potentially affect this conclusion. The Senior Planning Officer stated that the only lawful use of the existing land and hardstanding was for agriculture and that no structures were currently on the proposed site.

Members questioned whether any future applications seeking a dwelling on site would be prejudiced were this application approved.

The Planning Development Manager explained that the application was for a temporary siting of a static caravan and that an application for a permanent dwelling following approval of this application would be considered separately but that the identification of essential need would have been established.

Ward Councillor Richard Musgrave was in attendance and spoke in favour of the application.

Applicant Ms Becky O’Neill was in attendance and spoke in favour of the application.

Members debated the application expressing support for the need of an on-site presence for animal welfare and security reasons. Members agreed the business was well established and viable but acknowledged the omission of complete financial evidence.

Support for the temporary siting of a static caravan for three years was expressed by Members with the point made that any application for a permanent dwelling would be subject to a separate application process and criteria.

Members asked what conditions would be imposed apart from a restriction on three years if the application were approved.

Officers stated that they would recommend further conditions regarding the residential curtilage to serve the caravan and details of the caravan colour and finish.

It was proposed and seconded that the application be APPROVED against the Senior Planning Officer’s recommendation subject to conditions reserved to the Head of Planning Services in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of Planning Committee. A vote was taken on the Proposal and was carried.

RESOLVED:

That the application be APPROVED subject to conditions reserved to the Head of Planning Services in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of Planning Committee.