Decision details

The Committee refused the application contrary to the recommendation in the report from the Corporate Manager (Planning and Sustainable Communities) and referred to a future meeting of the Planning Enforcement Sub-Committee consideration of enforcement options.  Reasons:

1.      The continued use of the site for a chalet, touring caravan, day room and other domestic paraphernalia would further consolidate the area covered by lawful caravan sites at Setchell Drove and Water Lane, Cottenham, and have a significant adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area by eroding the openness between the two lawful sites contrary to Policies DP/1 1(p), DP/2 1(a) and DP/3 2(m) of the South Cambridgeshire LDF ‘Development Control Policies DPD 2007;

2.      Approval of the application (as opposed to toleration of the existing use) would create a precedent that planning permission should be granted for other gypsy sites at Victoria View and elsewhere across Smithy Fen. The cumulative impact of such developments would be seriously harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape.

3.      The Council has had due regard to the applicants’ existing personal circumstances including the availability of alternative sites, his general need for a site, and his age and health, but does not consider these are sufficient either individually or collectively to outweigh the non-compliance with the development plan. This includes granting planning permission on a temporary basis where the perceived harm would still be significant.