Hack Green plan refused

Regular readers will recall a planning application for land at Hack Green off Coole Lane to be used by travelling show people.

There had been representation at December's Audlem Parish Council meeting by opponents of the scheme because of the increased HGV traffic likely to arise on Coole Lane.

The planning application was heard by Cheshire East's Southern Planning Committee and the formal notice of refusal was posted saying:

In pursuance of its powers under the above Act, the Council hereby REFUSES to grant planning permission for the above development referred to in the application and accompanying plans submitted by you for the following reasons:

1. The site is located in an unsustainable location, which is a considerable distance from local services and facilities, and due to the absence of public transport facilities, the development will be reliant on the private car, which will have adverse implications in terms of use of natural resources.

The proposed development is therefore contrary to policies NE.2 and RES.13 of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011, and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Policy for Traveller Sites.

2. The proposed development, by reason of its nature, size and siting would form a visually obtrusive feature which would detract from the rural character and appearance of the area within which it is located. The approval of the development would therefore be contrary to policies NE.2, BE.2 and RES.13 14/2714N/PDN1Fref(CE)/194 of the Borough of Crewe & Nantwich Replacement Local Plan and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework.

3. The proposed use would cause unacceptable levels of noise and disturbance to the detriment of the amenities of the occupiers of nearby residential property. The approval of the development would therefore be contrary to policies BE.1 and RES.13 of the Crewe & Nantwich Replacement Local Plan, and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework.

4. A European Protected Species has been recorded on site and is likely to be adversely affected by the proposed development. Due to the environmental harm identified, there are no reasons of overriding public interest to allow the proposal. The proposal therefore fails to meet the tests of the Habitats Directive.

The Local Planning Authority (LPA), in reaching this decision, has followed the guidance in paragraphs 186 and 187 of the National Planning Policy Framework. The Framework advises that the LPA should work proactively with applicants to secure developments that improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.

Despite working with the applicants, a solution could not be achieved that overcomes the harm identified in the reasons for refusal.

This decision relates to the following plans submitted with the application: 06082-3
06082-4 1017/PL1
Dated: 3rd February 2015

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