Lancashire travellers' site gets planning boost amid 'lack of alternatives'
Planning permission is being sought again to change the use of land near Lancaster to allow travellers' caravans, mobile homes, some buildings and a septic tank to be located there.
The land at Arna Wood Lane, Aldcliffe, has previously had planning consent for stable activities and been divided over time. It is between the Lancaster Canal and River Lune
Now, applicant Edward Jenkins wants part-retrospective permission for caravan and mobile home pitches. a day-room, barn and hard-standing area to be used by him and his extended family. He is working with a planning agent, Simon Ruston, based in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Lancaster City Council's planning committee will look at the application on Monday, October 28.
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The new bid is an updated but resubmitted application from 2021 which was refused over concerns about the site's suitability, visual harm and a lack of information about drainage and surface water. New information covers the landscape design, a drainage strategy and the applicant's family circumstances.
Aldcliffe with Stodday Parish Council has objected and its comments are included in a report for councillors. It states: "The parish council maintains its previous strong objection and reiterates its request that the city council refuses the application. This does not fit with national and local statements that development must be sustainable. There appears to be little material change between the [past] refused and current application, other than minor amendments."
The parish council believes the plan conflicts with the local development plan principles, which it says is a legal starting point to determine any application unless 'relevant material considerations indicate otherwise'.
The parish adds: "Despite the lack of a five-year supply of deliverable sites for travellers, which must be afforded significant weight, this does not override the conflict with the development plan. This site’s open, countryside location is unsustainable and the proposal is in direct conflict with the development plan."
Safety concerns
Concerns include harm to the landscape's appearance, the site layout and boundary treatments, and an "urbanising and domesticated" development at odds with low-level agricultural or equestrian uses nearby. Other concerns include safety on single-track roads, the transport of mobile homes and intensification of the existing access linked to stable activities.
Public comments have been received too. These include worries about the site being farmland, being remote from shops, schools or doctors' surgeries, traffic safety and claims a hedgerow has been uprooted.
However, council planning officers have highlighted planning and legal considerations regarding gypsy and traveller sites. Also the Lancaster district has sought new traveller sites but cannot demonstrate an updated five year supply. In recent years, permission for seven pitches has been granted at four locations in the Halton and Heysham areas.
Officers are recommending councillors approve the application, with conditions. These include further information on drainage, external lighting and refuse. The site is only to be used for gypsies and travellers and not commercially. The day-room must not be used as a home and the barn must only be used for stable activity.
Officers say they recognise some harm to the area's character, poor access to services and narrow roads. However, these must be balanced against other factors. They add: "There is currently an unmet need and the lack of any suitable alternative sites available to the applicant and his family carry great weight. Regard must be given to the protected characteristics of the applicant and his family, including medical needs and the educational needs of children."