Agenda item

Alterations to existing caravan park including the removal of the existing touring caravan and caravan storage areas and the development of a new area to accommodate 30 holiday cabins. [Strensall Ward]

Members considered a Full Application, submitted by Mr J Ord, for alterations to an existing caravan park including the removal of the existing touring caravan and caravan storage areas and the development of new area to accommodate 30 holiday cabins.

Officers updated that, following the report of an active badger sett at the north east corner of the site, the Council’s ecology officer had confirmed that the sett was active. Natural England had also confirmed that there was one disused entrance to the sett within the site and that there was an active entrance facing away from the site. It was reported that one of the proposed units was within 10m of the sett and that works within 30m required the developer to obtain a licence to undertake works which would also require adding as a condition.  Conditions relating to fencing, screen planting and amendments to conditions 6 and 7 to state that the surface and foul water arrangements should be agreed with the Local Planning Authority would also be required.

Representations in support were received from the applicant’s agent who confirmed that it was proposed to continue using the existing on site private treatment system to dispose of foul water and that more frequent emptying may be required. He stated that the existing approval included a storage area for up to 100 caravans throughout the whole year and that the application proposed 30 quality cabins which would improve the site and allow restrictions on their use. He confirmed that it would be possible to move one of the units from the north east corner of the site which was closet to the sett.

Consideration was given to comments received from Cllr Cuthbertson, Local Member, circulated at the meeting, in which he requested deferral of the application to allow Members to visit the site. He stated that he had a number of concerns relating to surface and foul water disposal, increased traffic, boundary treatments and screening. A map showing the site in relation to Stensall was also circulated at the meeting and it was confirmed that the site was within open countryside but not within the Green Belt.

Representations were received in objection from a neighbour who also requested deferment of the application, as there were a number of points that required clarification. He felt that the proposal was a significant alteration to the existing use of the site and for which the existing foul drainage system could not adequately deal with. He also expressed concerns regarding security, trespass, light pollution and that the cabins could be occupied throughout the whole year.

Members questioned the anticipated use of the units on completion and whether the removal of caravan storage and the sites use by touring caravans would be conditioned. Members also discussed drainage details, the possible provision of an amenity area, rain harvesting and concerns that the site could become a small village.

RESOLVED:             That the application be deferred to the January meeting pending a site visit and to clarify the issues raised regarding the siting of the units adjacent to the badger sett, drainage proposals and screening with the applicants.

REASON:                  To enable Members to view the site and its surroundings and to obtain additional information prior to making a decision on the application.