To consider the above planning application.
Minutes:
Note: Councillor J Wray (Ward Councillor), Councillor W Scragg (on behalf of Moston Parish Council), Mr D Wright (on behalf of Action Moston) and Mr A Holder (objector) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.
Note: Councillor P Evans had registered his intention to address the Committee on behalf of Warmingham Parish Council but did not attend the meeting.
The Committee considered a report regarding the above planning application, a written update and an oral update by the Southern Area Manager – Development Management, who confirmed that there had been a change in circumstances since the Committee had considered a similar application for the same site.
RESOLVED – That, contrary to the planning officer’s recommendation for approval, the application be REFUSED for the following reasons:
1. The location of the site represents an unsustainable form of development due to the distance from local services and facilities contrary to Policies GR1 (New Development) and H8 (Gypsy Caravan Sites) of the adopted Congleton Borough Local Plan First Review 2005 and Policy HOU6 (Gypsy Caravan Sites) of the Cheshire Structure Plan and the guidance contained within paragraph 23 of Planning Policy for Traveller Sites
2. The proposed development combined with other existing and proposed schemes for Gypsy/Traveller accommodation in the immediate locality would cumulatively have an adverse impact on the character of the countryside contrary to Policy PS8 (Open Countryside) and also guidance within paragraph 12 of the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites.
3. Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the proposed development and its access will not have an adverse impact on an Important Hedgerow running along Dragons Lane. Without sufficient information the development would be contrary to policy NR3 (Habitats) of the Borough of Congleton Local Plan First Review.