Top Yard now recommended for refusal

In February, Westerleigh ward councillor Claire Young and local residents spoke at the DC (East) planning committee about their concerns about the application for a travelling showman site at Top Yard, Westerleigh. Officers had recommended it for approval.

The planning committee voted by a narrow majority to approve it but, heeding the concerns raised, Cllr Alan Lawrance referred it up to full council.

Given the chance to look at the application again, officers considered some recent case law and advised councillors that the application should go back to the DC (East) Planning Committee with a revised report to reflect that. Claire Young was pleased to propose this at the council meeting.

The application will be considered again next Thursday, 23rd April at a meeting starting at 3pm in Kingswood. Officers are now recommending that the application should be refused  on the grounds that it is inappropriate development and the "very special circumstances" given by the applicant don't outweigh the impact on the Green Belt.

As you can see from the agenda, this is the only application the committee will be considering. You can read the very detailed 17 page report here. Please contact Claire Young if you would like more information.