Agenda item

Station 40 caravans - Variation of conditions 1 and 2 and removal of conditions 3 and 4 of planning permission 207358 (extending the season).

The Committee considered an application to vary planning conditions 1 and 2 and the removal of conditions 3 and 4 of planning permission 207358 granted on 13 December 1962 as the application wished to operate the site with 30 static caravans for a longer season in line with the operation of other sites in the area.

The Enforcement Manager presented the application for a variation of conditions on previous planning conditions in the 1960s that sought to extend the season for the occupancy of the caravans from 9 February to 10 January to include Christmas and February school half term periods each year.  An anomaly caused in the original permission with regard to the stationing of 40 caravans with permission for 30 had also been addressed. 

An update sheet circulated to members before the meeting included additional representations, including some in support.  A further letter had also been received the previous day objecting to the extension of the season beyond the current 7month period of April-October.

Members were shown a site location plan, aerial photos showing the 30 caravans and wider context of the site as well as photos taken by a neighbour showing access to the dwellings, the coastline to the east of the site and stepped access beyond the site to the east.

The Enforcement Officer outlined the key planning points and advised that the issues raised as a result of the consultation including the impact on the character of the area and on amenity needed to be balanced against the benefit to the local economy.

A number of written representations were received that were read out by an officer at the meeting and are attached to these minutes.

Cllr Nick Ireland, the ward member for the area, highlighted that Osmington Parish Council had not been consulted and that the notice had been erected on private land. He proposed that the application be amended so that the site was closed between 15th January and 15th March each year in line with other caravan parks in the area. He highlighted that many sites were becoming residential which was against the spirit of the restrictions.

The Enforcement Manager stated that as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, planning officers relied on applicants and agents to erect notices where they could be seen by the public.  This notice had been placed on the caravan notice board and people were able to walk onto the land to see it. The neighbour immediately adjacent to the site was notified by letter, however, this was a holiday home.

The Vice-Chairman stated that ensuring that notices were accessible to the public rather than on private land and informing neighbouring Parish Councils should be investigated and this would be discussed with the Planning Portfolio Holder.

Proposed by Cllr Nick Ireland, seconded by Cllr Peter Barrow.

Decision: That the application be approved and that the description of development be altered to “Station caravans” and subject to the conditions outlined in the appendix to these minutes.