Agenda item

REFUSED

Description of application – Use of land for the stationing of residential caravans to provide 3 gypsy and traveller pitches with associated works including amenity blocks, hardstanding, fencing, septic tank and landscaping on land adjacent to Vinsons Cottage, Hockenden Lane, Swanley.

The Chairman referred to the history of the site and to the surplus of gypsy and traveller pitches on the Old Maidstone site.

The Assistant Director’s representative explained that the site had been identified and allocated as a traveller site in the Bromley Local Plan forecast and the site had also been identified to provide two further pitches and therefore, the proposed development would be an appropriate use of the land in planning terms.  He explained that the site was inset in the Green Belt for traveller use but Green Belt policies did not apply, and he reported that Highways Division had not objected to the application.

Councillor Keith Onslow objected to the potential visual impact and erosion of the Green Belt and his view was the development was inappropriate and there was no easy access to the narrow lane.

Councillor Alexa Michael’s view was that it encroached too much on the Green Belt and, as there was no shortage of pitches for gypsies and travellers in the Borough, she objected to the application.

Councillor Angela Page had previously been a ward member for Cray Valley East Ward and she referred to her local knowledge and the potential increased traffic in a tight area and the loss of amenity to neighbours.

The Chairman also referred to the narrow lane and inadequate sight lines.

The Assistant Director’s representative drew Members’ attention to the description of the proposed development to provide three gypsy and traveller pitches which was the basis that the application had to be considered.

Members having considered the report and objections, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE REFUSED for the following reasons:-

1. No justification of the need for additional gypsy and traveller pitches in this location has been provided and the proposal would, by reason of the increase in the number of pitches on the site and associated development, result in an overdevelopment which would be harmful to the amenities of neighbouring residential properties, including by reason of visual impact, contrary to Policies 12 and 37 of the Bromley Local Plan.

2. The proposal would result in an intensification in the use of the existing access which has inadequate sight lines and would be prejudicial to highway safety including the safety of occupiers of the development and other road users,  thereby contrary to Policy 32 of the Bromley Local Plan.