Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

During apologies, changes to the committee membership were noted.

It was proposed by Councillor C Parker and seconded by Councillor Nutley that the minutes of the previous meeting be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Democratic Services would review the final total for the vote on item 6c of the previous meeting.

If Councillors have any questions relating to predetermination or interests in items on this Agenda, please contact the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

None.

The Chair gave a statement regarding a previous site visit to the Red Lion Inn and his comments at the following committee meeting. He apologised that he may have given an incorrect impression and regretted any confusion that was caused. He stated it was not his intention to dismiss any acknowledgement of the attendance of the ineligible attendee being present and this was his mistake if that impression had been given. He asked the committee to accept his regret regarding this matter.

The Enforcement Officer presented the item to the Committee.

Comments from Councillors during the debate included:

·         Impact on the surrounding area including visual impact.

·         The Council has a legal obligation to provide sites for Travellers and that obligation has already been met.

·         Close enough to the road to be seen.

·         Use of the site is unauthorised and planning permission has not been granted.

·         Concerns were raised about the lack of alternative sites for members of the Gypsy and Traveller community.

·         Concerns around the occupants becoming homeless as a result.

·         The site has ecological sensitivity and the occupancy of the site impacts this.

In response, Officers clarified the following:

·         Whilst there may not be space currently at the other Traveller site, the use of the current site is still unauthorised and not the correct location.

·         Other appropriate sites may come forward in the future but the enforcement notice must be decided based on the current location and information.

It was proposed by Councillor Hall and seconded by Councillor P Parker that decision be deferred until another site with enough space becomes available.

A vote was taken. The result was 3 for, 11 against, and 0 abstentions and so the vote was lost.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullivant and seconded by Councillor Cox that enforcement action be taken with a 6-month compliance period.

A vote was taken. The result was 11 for, 3 against, and 0 abstentions.

Resolved

That an Enforcement Notice be issued under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 with a 6 month compliance period to:

      i.        Cease using the land for the siting of caravans for residential purposes, and

     ii.        Remove the caravans and any other items associated with the unauthorised residential use from the land.

The Interim Head of Development Management informed the Committee that he would review the applications that were allowed at appeal and consider the reasons for the Inspector doing so.

The Committee noted the appeals decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate.

The Committee noted the Major Decisions Summary Sheet.