Agenda item

It was being reported to the Planning Committee for consideration at the request of Councillor R. E Lambert, Ward Councillor, in accordance with the Council’s constitution and due to its classification as a major planning application.

Further information was included in the Committee Update, with regards to an Arboricultural Survey which had been supplied by Arb Tech, along with the Officer response, as detailed on page 1 of the Committee Update. The update also detailed that one additional objection had been received.

A copy of the Committee Update was provided to Members and published on the Council’s website prior to the commencement of the meeting.

Officers presented the report and in doing so highlighted that the application was for a material change of use of land to use as a residential caravan site for 5 traveller pitches. It was noted that this included the laying of hardstanding and construction of a 1.8m timber fence and that the planning application was retrospective in nature.

Officers presented the presentation slides, as detailed on pages 25 to 34 of the main agenda pack and outlined that the site was considered Grey Belt and was previously an open parcel of land (a paddock), on the west of Wassell Grove Lane, with access from the carriageway.

Officers highlighted that the site was located in close proximity to Wassell Grove Farmhouse, which was a Grade II listed building, and buildings associated with this development. It was further outlined that the site would detract from the rural setting of the listed building.

It was highlighted to Committee Members that further changes had been made to the site which had not been listed in the report at time of publication, and these included the installation of access gates and the erection of lighting columns.

83 objections had been received which included the Parish Council, the main area of concern was in relation to the objection received from Worcestershire County Council, as the highways authority.

The highways authority had concluded that the proposals had the potential to have a detrimental impact upon the safe operation of the highways network. Of particular concern to the highways authority was that visibility for motorists on the carriageway could not be achieved without the removal of a significant amount of well- established hedgerow. Furthermore, access to the site in a manner which was safe and suitable in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework had not been demonstrated by the applicant and due to the rural nature, pedestrians would likely access the site via traversing the 30mph highway.

Further information, including relevant planning history and Council’s identified need for further Gypsy and Traveller pitches across the District was relayed to Committee Members.

It was noted that the planning application was recommended for refusal.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Iain Martin, a business owner who owned the site opposite spoke in objection to the application. Councillor S. T. Nock (on behalf of Councillor R. E. Lambert, Ward Councillor) also addressed the Committee in opposition to the application. Having addressed the Committee, Councillor S. T. Nock then left the room.

Members then debated the application. From the comments and questions by members of the Committee, the following responses were made, and issues highlighted:

•         It was acknowledged that the site had harmed the significance of the Grade II listed Wassell Grove Farmhouse.

•         Members expressed concern relating to the impact of the development upon the highways network.

•         It was accepted that the current entry and access point for the site was challenging to traverse for large vehicles such as caravans.

•         The Bromsgrove District Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showperson Accommodation Assessment 2024/ 25 outlined that there was a shortage of available pitches with 17 pitches required  to be provided by 2029/ 30.

•         It was noted that a right- of- way footpath ran through the field to the rear of the site.

Members were particularly concerned about the implications on highway safety, following objections from Worcestershire County Council as the highways authority. It was noted that to achieve compliance with both the requirements of the Manual for Streets and the Worcestershire Streetscape Design Guide, a substantial amount of hedgerow would have to be removed. Members agreed that this would undermine the character of the lane and could increase vehicle speeds due to the better visibility which would undermine highway safety objectives.

Concern was also expressed about the rural nature of the site, and the increased likelihood of pedestrians walking on the carriageway to access local services.

On being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED that having had regard to the development plan and to all other material considerations, the application be refused subject to the reasons as detailed on page 22 of the main agenda pack.

Following consideration of the above matter referred to at Minute No. 80/26, Councillor J. Clarke joined the meeting.