Issue - meetings

This was a retrospective planning application for full planning permission for a Gypsy/Traveller site with 2no. mobile homes and hardstanding on land adjacent Oak View, Sugden Lane, Sugden, Telford, Shropshire.

The application was before the Planning Committee at the request of Councillor G Thomas, Ward Councillor.

An update report was tabled at the meeting which set out details of a further representation in relation to development plans and drainage which had been received following publication of the report.

The Planning Officer set out details of the application, together with the receipt of an additional objection in relation to enforcement matters.  Confirmation had been received that, if Members were minded to approve the application, the applicant’s grandchild (upon reaching school age) would attend the local school and that they had an existing registration at the local doctors surgery and the provision of broadband had already been arranged.

Councillor G Thomas, Ward Councillor, spoke against the application and raised concerns in relation to land drainage he questioned whether the proposal was adequate, as an application on the same site two years previously had been refused as there had been issues with flooding in adjacent lanes.  The proposed highway access was on 60mph road, on a bend and a slight hill and he considered that there was poor visibility.  The Parish Council had raised a number of concerns in relation to the lack of facilities in the immediate area including shops and schools and that this application was retrospective.

Mr P Ashdown, member of the public, spoke against the application and highlighted concerns in relation to the site and its location and echoed comments made by Councillor Thomas.  He considered that this was a speculative application which had bypassed the proper process and did not satisfy policy.  The site was not supported by local shops, public connection or employment and there were limited services over four miles away.  A previous application on the site had been refused in 2022 and there had been no changes to policy since that time.  He also raised concern on the amenity on neighbouring property and planning creep which would set a precedent.

Ms R Munns, Applicant’s Agent, spoke in favour of the application and noted there were no objections from the Council’s consultees and no conflict with the development plan.  There was an unmet need for gypsy and traveller sites in Telford and this application would help fulfil that.  Following amendments to the PPTS in 2024, these sites were assessed very differently from bricks and mortar and where sites were located outside settlement boundaries applications may be acceptable.  The site was in close proximity to Rodington and as set out in Policy H09 it was supported by local services.  The residents were registered with the local GP Surgery in Shawbirch a short drive away and there were two pubs, a playground and a well-serviced bus stop within a mile of the site.  The proposal offered a stable and settled base with access to health and education and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42