Agenda item

Recommendation: Grant permission to vary a conditional planning permission subject to conditions.

Proposal: Application to vary conditions 4 (approved plans) and 5 (number of caravans on site) of planning consent 153360 to increase the number of caravans on site from 2 caravans to 4 (no more than 2 being static caravans), thereby increasing the number of gypsy pitches from 1 to 2.

Applicant: Mr and Mrs Henry and Samantha Giles.

The Committee received and reviewed a report, set out on agenda pages 117-134.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·         an update to the name of the applicant;

·         a correction to paragraph 24;

·         a representation from Hurst Parish Council.

Howard Larkin, Hurst Parish Council, spoke in objection to the application. He felt that the application would result in major intensification of the site and failed to address CP11. He added that the site was an unsustainable location, with the nearest shop and school being too far away for pedestrian access. He stated that the roads leading to the site were single track and that the area had experienced six instances of flooding since 1947. Howard stated the Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) had an 11.54 year traveller land supply. He asked that the Committee refuse the application for the reasons stated.

Lou Robinson, Spokesperson on behalf of the Hurst Village Society, spoke in objection to the application. She stated that WBC had an 11.54 year traveller pitch land supply and it was therefore not appropriate to intensify the existing site. She added that the existing dwelling on the site was very large and the Council should limit traveller sites being excessively far away from existing developments. Lou felt that the Council needed to do more to check that occupants of GRT sites indeed met the definition of a traveller and asked that the Committee refuse the application for the reasons stated.

Matthew Green, Agent, spoke in favour of the application. He stated that this application would not be for a new development and that the use of the land had already been permitted. He added that there would be intensification on the site but this would not constitute a material change of use. Matthew stated that Officers had agreed that the site was sustainable and that Landscape Officers had agreed that this application to vary conditions would result in the betterment of the local scene.

Daniel Ray, Case Officer, responded to a number of Member queries regarding intensification, land supply, flooding and change in character of the area. He stated that the site had no named consent and that the occupants would have to meet the criteria of the conditions. Regarding land supply, Daniel stated that the site was acceptable in all other matters. Daniel stated that at appeal (for the original planning application) the site was deemed an accessible location, which was a strong material consideration. Daniel stated that the inspector had deemed that there were other options available should the road become inaccessible due to flooding and had found the site acceptable on these grounds. Daniel stated that there would be betterment of the site compared to the current dwelling and this would help to negate the change in character of the area.

Members had concerns over the proposal of a new stable (in a different position on the site) which would be approximately twice the size of the existing stable. Daniel Ray stated that the new stable would be part of the variation of conditions and was not materially different in principal. He added that the previous planning permission allowed for the provision of a stable.

Wayne Smith proposed that the application be refused as it would result in intensification of the site through increased number of pitches and increased size of barn which would result in harm to the character and appearance of countryside and area. This was seconded by John Jarvis.

Upon being put to the vote it was:

RESOLVED: That application 180072 be refused as it would result in intensification of the site through increased number of pitches and increased size of barn which would result in harm to the character and appearance of countryside and area.