Plans to convert land in Staffordshire into gypsy caravan site
Plans have been put forward to convert land into a gypsy caravan site.
The scheme submitted to Lichfield District Council would transform the area on Coppice Lane would allow the stationing of caravans for residential purposes, and the keeping of horses.
The land located in Hammerwich is in the Birmingham greenbelt area, however the applicant has stated that as previously development has been approved on the site it would instead constitute greybelt.
Additionally the latest five year housing supply indicates that Lichfield has zero approved land for gypsy and traveller sites.
New hard standing is proposed to connect the access on Coppice Lane to the site.
It is planned that each pitch would include one mobile home, one touring caravan, and one dayroom per pitch.
A submission for Staffordshire County Council states that a public right of way runs adjacent from the proposed site, however it should not be impacted by the proposals.
Advice has also been given by the joint waste officer.
The planning statement said: “The application site is located on the edge of the settlement Hammerwich amongst a significant portion of infill development along Coppice Lane.
The nearest shop is located 0.8 miles away on Walsall Road. There are also bus stops located on the A461 providing services to Lichfield and Walsall.
“These are approximately a 12-minute walk away from the application site. It is concluded that the site is Grey Belt, and the proposals are not inappropriate development.
“The application is also supported by the existence of material considerations in favour of the proposal. An unmet need for additional gypsy and traveller pitches; the lack of a five-year supply of gypsy and traveller pitches; the absence of suitable, acceptable, affordable and available alternative pitches; and the failure of the development plan to provide for the needs of the gypsy and traveller community, are all material considerations that should be given weight in favour of a grant of permission when determining applications.”
The application is now set to be considered by planning officers at Lichfield District Council.
The scheme is currently in public consultation until July 5, during this time residents will be able to submit comments on the plans.
