An application to change the use of green belt land next to 140 Cudham Lane North into a “private Gypsy and Traveller caravan site”, consisting of up to 10 pitches and parking, have been refused by Bromley Council.
The decision followed almost 200 objections from residents, as well as the planning officer concluding that the proposals would result in “actual harm” to the green belt land in the area.
While PROwe Planning Solutions – who put together the design and access statement – argued that the plans aimed to meet a “long outstanding unmet need” for Gypsy and Traveller pitches in Bromley, the planning officer decided that it failed to meet the minimum standards for one of these sites.
The decision notice said: “Insufficient information has been provided to show that safe spacing distances, appropriate access, utilities, drainage, fire safety measures and other necessary infrastructure can be achieved on-site.
“The development therefore fails to demonstrate that it would provide an acceptable standard of accommodation.”
As well as concerns over the impact on green belt land, the council feared the Traveller site would result in a “loss of biodiversity and ecological habit”.
It argued that the combination of caravans, hard-surfacing, vehicles and amenity buildings would result in an “overly urbanised, artificial and intrusive form of development”, causing “significant harm” to the surrounding rural area.
Fears over a potential spike in “road danger”, and an “unacceptable increase” in noise and disturbance to neighbouring properties, were also raised as reason for refusal.
The decision notice – and several residents’ objections – reveals that there have already been “unauthorised tree removals” at the site, with the council deciding that the proposed traveller pitches would prevent replacement planting if approved.
One resident said in their objection: “As a local resident, I strongly object to the building on green belt land of 10 caravans in Cudham Lane North.
“For starters, this is green belt land, which by definition should be protected.
“The site needs to be replanted with trees as it was originally because this is protected land.
“Furthermore, adding 10 caravans will add to the traffic, noise and rubbish on what is already a busy and sometimes blocked lane in the mornings and evenings.”
Another resident added: “The land in question has already been irrevocably damaged by the removal of trees and foliage.
“This is green belt land enjoyed by many so should not have been touched in the first place.
“And if the application was granted, the already inadequate infrastructure would be at breaking point.
“It would be disastrous.”
The applicant has the opportunity to appeal the refusal within 12 weeks of the decision notice, which was issued on February 27.
