Turnpike Field

Turnpike Field Planning

Last month, the entrance gate on Green Lane to Turnpike Field was moved back into the field about eight metres for reasons of highway safety. Our best information was that by not changing the width of the gateway (the same gate was reused) and not removing or damaging any hedge or tree roots, no permissions were required.

At Monday night’s Parish Council meeting Members were told that, Cheshire East’s Planning Enforcement Officer had now become involved. His email referred to the removal of a hedge and potential damage to tree roots – neither of which was correct as photographs (and Streetview) show. Further correspondence from him referred this item to Highways. However, he had also noted that picnic tables and signage were in place – meaning that an unauthorised material change of use had taken place from agricultural land to a recreation area without a planning application having been made.

He has subsequently advised our Clerk that until a Retrospective Planning application has been submitted for the change of use and any development, no further use of the field should be made, with the exception of pedestrian use.

This clearly puts several events for which the field is crucial at risk, namely Party on The Park, Festival of Transport/Historic Boats and the Village Fete. Councillors agreed to seek clarification and hopefully permission for these specific events with the Planning Enforcement Officer, but unfortunately he is away until 19th June, so we are unable to let residents know any further information until next week.

Also, the planned purchase and installation of a pond-dipping platform has been deferred. In addition, Councillors agreed to defer the final stage of registering Turnpike Field with Fields in Trust, which is to register the change with the Land Registry.

A Planning Agent has now been appointed by the Parish Council to submit the Retrospective Planning application.

Clearly, this situation is ongoing and this statement is for information only in the interest of openness. Whilst organisations planning to use the field will understandably be concerned, we are working urgently to secure permission to continue the planned use of the field.