Gypsy family caravan site given go-ahead in Lancashire despite strong objections

Planners at Wyre have given the go ahead to the siting of a gypsy family caravan site - which has already been partly set up.

A retrospective application was submitted for the change of use of land at Blueberry Stables, Lancaster Road, in the rural area outside Preesall, to mixed use for keeping of horses and residential caravan site for gypsy family with 5 caravans, including no more than two static caravans, together with conversion of part of stable building to ancillary dayroom.

The proposals were approved by a planning officer under delegated powers. It follows a successful appeal by the applicant over a previous application.

The site plan showed two mobile homes and two touring caravans on the existing hardstanding area along the southern boundary.

A further touring caravan is proposed to be sited adjacent to the northern boundary, parallel to Lancaster Road. A new hedgerow is proposed to the southern boundary, separating the site from the grazing land beyond.

The closest residential neighbours to the application site are at terraced cottages along the western side of Cart Gate and Shady Lane, some 60m west of the site. Other nearby properties to the north east are approximately 80m away from the application site.

OBJECTION TO SCHEME

The scheme was opposed by Preesall Town Council which submitted a statement saying it “strongly objects to this application”.

The town council unanimously objected on the grounds of: the development being outside the settlement boundary; flooding concerns; the “Illegal tipping” of tons of hardcore detrimentally impacting on surrounding land; the applicant having “already shown a complete disregard for the planning process by the development of an ancillary day room as opposed to the permitted stables"; use of the word ‘gypsy, believing this to be discriminatory; impact on wildlife habitats.

PLANNING STATEMENT

However, a Planning Statement in support of the applicant, listed as Mrs Kathleen McGinley, stated: “The application site is in a suitable location and the proposal would not cause harm to the character and appearance of the area.

“Having provided a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment and, demonstrated compliance with the sequential test and exceptions test, the proposal complies with the (planning) Framework and local plan policies in relation to flood risk.

“In this case, there is a general unmet need for gypsy sites and, an absence of any alternative sites.

“The applicant's need for accommodation, personal circumstances and the best interests of the children also weigh in favour of the scheme. For the above-mentioned reasons, I respectfully request that planning permission be granted.”

PLANNING OFFICER'S REPORT

Approving the application, the planning case officer concluded in a delegated report: “The proposed development would represent a highly vulnerable form of development within Flood Zone 3.

“This would be inappropriate development in an area at risk of flooding. It is however, accepted that the development would carry some material benefits in relation to sustainability and meeting a need for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation sites in the borough.

“The Inspector under Appeal 20/01171/FUL identified that this weighs in favour of the development.

“Given the submitted Flood Risk Assessment identified that the proposal will be safe for its lifetime and that safe access and egress, including in an emergency, can be provided, it is considered that the harm and conflict with the National Planning Policy Framework would be offset by the other benefits identified.

“The proposal is considered acceptable in principle and no unacceptable policy conflict has been identified.

“No other conflict with local or national planning policies is identified, and it is therefore recommended that the application is permitted.”