[To consider the planning application]

The Committee considered a report regarding 19/01228/FUL - Change of use to a gypsy and travellers transit site, providing temporary accommodation for travellers evicted from unlawful encampments. Works will include installation of a perimeter fence with security vehicle gate, a modular unit containing sanitary facilities, erection of a secure bin store, and installation of external lighting and CCTV.

Stephen Alexander, Head of City Planning, reported the following updates since the agenda had been published:

1. A further six letters of objection had been received and the reasons for the objections were summarised within the report.
2. The Urban Wildlife Trust had raised no objections to the application.

The Head of City Planning outlined the report and addressed all concerns that had been raised regarding the application.

He further stated that the condition on page 21 of the report regarding the maximum stay period was incorrect and should state ‘Maximum stay period 14 days and no return within twelve months.’

Mr Naseem addressed the Committee and spoke in opposition to the

application. He alleged that two Members of the Planning Committee had previously attended a Labour Group meeting where they had voted in support of the proposed plans. In the interest of fairness, he therefore requested that these Members be excluded from voting on this item.

In response to this, Councillor Keith Inston, Chair of the Planning Committee, confirmed that Members of the Planning Committee had voted in support of the consultation process not the application itself.

Stephen Alexander, Head of City Planning, responded to the statements made. He confirmed that the procedural issues had been raised outside of the Committee and would be dealt with accordingly and advised members of the Committee to consider the material planning considerations.

Ms Michelle Caney addressed the Committee and spoke in support of the application.

Members of the Committee recognised the importance of securing a site and whilst some Members felt the proposals were acceptable, others expressed concern.

Resolved:

That planning application 19/01228/FUL be granted subject to any necessary conditions including:

• Consent temporary for a period of 12 months (from first occupation) in order to monitor the impact and level of use.
• Limit the use to use as a transit site for travellers who have been evicted from unauthorised encampments within the administrative area of Wolverhampton.
• Limit of use to 13 pitches.
• Planning permission expires should the site be sold to a third party.
• Management plan including limit of vehicles on site, vehicular gates to be locked, daily use cars to be parked off site etc.
• Parking layout.
• Landfill reports/recommendations including gas control system provision.
• Submission and implementation of landscaping.
• Sustainable drainage.
• Wildlife/biodiversity reports/recommendations.
• Boundary treatment.
• Tree protection.
• Construction method statement - delivery time for shipping container.
• Footway crossing.
• Motor mover.
• Materials.
• Lighting detail – including light spillage detail with respect to neighbours and wildlife.
• Bin stores.
• CCTV.
• Japanese Knotweed.
• Maximum stay period 14 days and no return within twelve months.
• Drainage.
• Manager to be on site 24/7 when occupied.

Meeting adjourned 14.35

Meeting reconvened 14.45