Issue - meetings

Brcl_26 Land at Ash Piggery, Langaton Lane

Proposed use: Gypsy and Traveller accommodation, 1.38 ha

Officer recommendation: Allocate

Phil Wakely, from the 1^st Pinhoe Scouts Group, outlined the extent of the local Scouts Group in this area and links with other related organisations, including frequency of meetings.  He informed the committee of the popularity of the area for local people to visit, and the high level of pedestrians using the access road.  The road was not suitable for the level of traffic. He advised that the site was unsuitable and asked the committee to reject the allocation.

Angie Hurran, Clerk to Broadclyst Parish Council, outlined the recognition of the need for an allocated site, but asked the Committee to consider the close proximity to the M5 and railway line, and how noise from those would be difficult to protect against for those vehicles or motor homes that would be on site. It was easier for housing to have a level of glazing installed to keep out the noise. The lane needs significant improvement and still needs good access for locals to visit the facilities.  She concluded that it was unfair to expose this protected group to that level of noise pollution.

Ward Member Cllr Fernley advised the committee of the recreational use of Green Lane by walkers, as well as on a practical level to reach the station, surgery and other facilities.  She did not support the allocation as she felt it would adversely impact the amenity value of the land, which would be put to better use as an extension of the country park.  She then left the meeting for the debate and vote following her declaration of interest.

The committee discussed applying the same standards to a protected community as any other, in relation to potential noise pollution at the site. Equally the committee agreed that an allocation was required somewhere in the district and this proposal was the better option at that time.  The site was also designed for a maximum of 15 pitches but these were not expected to be operating at a high turnover.

The committee asked if more detail from Environmental Health could be sought on the issue of potential noise pollution, but overall felt it appropriate to allocate the site.

Committee endorsed the recommendation to include Brcl_26 in the site allocation