AN APPLICATION for an expansion at Pine View Lodge in Cosheston was approved by the Planning and Rights of Way Committee on Tuesday (Mar 21).

The applicant, Mr Wayne Whitbread, has applied to extend the Pine View Lodge and add three static and two touring caravans to the site and he told the committee that these would be for his family.

The matter was presented to the committee in November but members voted to visit the site after hearing that conditions imposed on a previous application that was approved had not been followed.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “This is a large expansion of the existing site. If it is passed this development would change the whole nature of this part of Cosheston from a single gypsy pitch to four.

“This is an intensification of development which is completely out of character and alien in this countryside location.

“It’s nearly three years since development began on this site in autumn 2013 and it took until June 2014 for the siting of a caravan and associated works to be regularised at committee.

“This approval came with a long list of conditions, most of which have failed to be implemented or enforced.

“An enforcement notice was issued in 2016, however, the process was then stalled as a planning application was expected.”

Mr Whitbread said he was looking to the future for his family and that he wanted to blend in with everyone else in the community.

When asked about the conditions that had not been followed, Mr Whitbread said this related to the planting of a hedge bank and that he had missed the season for plantation for personal reasons so they had to wait to plant it.

He went on to say he appreciated the concerns of the residents but said that he would not make the same mistake again.

Objecting to the plans, Mrs Jane Lee said that she had nothing against Mr Whitbread but that it had been difficult period of uncertainty.

She went on to say that the officers had given a recommendation of approval because of the council’s inability to provide gypsy and traveller sites.

Officers had previously stated that it was not expedient to take action but Head of Planning, Mr David Popplewell, said although there had been a breach of conditions the issuing of an enforcement notice would not have been justified.

Cllr Brian Hall said that the Whitbread family were ‘hard-working’ and added that Wales and West Utilities had not responded with any concerns about the site.

Cllr Gwilym Price added: “At the last site visit in December I was surprised to see how much work had been done and it was quite well screened. I commend you for what you have done so far and it’s a shame that other people couldn’t accept what you are trying to do. Well done Mr Whitbread.”

Cllr Jacob Williams said there was an unmet need for the caravans and that the application should be considered when Mr Whitbread’s family members were old enough to move in to the caravans.

Cllr Hall said he had no fear whatsoever in moving the recommendation and that officers would step in if any complaints were received in the future.

When it was put to a vote, eight councillors voted in favour while five voted against.