Agenda item

To determine the application.

David Rowen presented the report to members and drew attention to the update report that had been circulated.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Stuart Carruthers, the agent. Mr Carruthers stated he had little to add to the officer’s report and was happy to answer any questions.

Members asked questions of officers as follows:

·         Councillor Mrs French asked where the travellers policy document is? She stated that she met the manager a few weeks ago and was informed it was completed. Matthew Leigh responded that whilst a draft has been received there is some comments and feedback in relation to the addition of documents, but it is not specifically a policy but in relation to the need. Councillor Mrs French asked when it was likely to be available? Matthew Leigh responded that he cannot give a definitive date as they want to make sure it contains the correct information. Councillor Connor asked officers to provide committee with an update on the likely completion as it has been mentioned for some time and seems to be taking a long time to be finalised.

·         Councillor Sennitt Clough referred to the paragraph in the report about the lack of a 5-year land supply for gypsy and traveller pitches and then the subsequent paragraph it mentions that the site is in Flood Zone 3 and because there is a shortage the fact that it is Flood Zone 3 is mitigated by that shortage, but in reality it is Flood Zone 3. She asked what practical ways of mitigation there were for the reality of flooding? David Rowen responded that there is recommended condition 5 which is that the development is to be carried out in accordance with a submitted Flood Risk Assessment which the Environment Agency have commented upon and which will require the finished floor levels of the mobile homes to be at least 0.3 metres above ground level secured with relevant ground anchors and also for the residents to sign up with the Environment Agency’s Flood Line service.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Gerstner referred to Parson Drove Parish Council, the North Level IDB and Environment Agency all recommending refusal so feels it makes it a slightly difficult decision to make. David Rowen responded that the IDB have raised concerns largely on their access to the drain at the back of the site indicating on the receipt of consent they are willing to relax the bylaws of 6 metres for a fence line providing the mobile homes are sited 9 metres from the water course, with the green wildflower meadow strip providing the 6 metre strip and the caravans themselves can be sited 9 metres away from the drain, which is one of the recommended conditions. He continued that the Environment Agency do object to the application as it is in a highly vulnerable flood risk category but it has indicated it is outside of the breach hazard map extents and as such it recommends, if members are minded to grant, that the requirements are secured through conditions. David Rowen added that the Parish Council’s objections is its views but the comments of a Parish Council are not a material planning consideration for the committee to have regard to in its determination. He stated that whilst there are these comments there is nothing that would justify a refusal or that would preclude granting the application.

·         Councillor Mrs French made the point that Fenland has a duty to make sure that there are enough allocated spaces for travellers.

·         Councillor Connor reminded members that when such proposals have been refused and then appealed the Inspector has found that they need to happen.

·         Councillor Marks made the point that there have been similar applications at Wimblington and Chatteris and they have been approved and whilst he recognises it is in Flood Zone 3 others have been in Flood Zone 3. He referred to consistency and there is not being a policy around travellers, feeling it is good usage of land.

Proposed by Councillor Marks, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.