Roselawn Farm – Planning decision update.

Land south-east of Roselawn Farm – Planning Inspector’s Decision Published.

Following the recent Planning Inquiry, the Inspector has published his binding report on the application for 12 plots for travelling show people.

It is a mixed result.  The Inspector has given permission, but only for 3 years and subject to other conditions (e.g. only for the existing 11 families/groups already on the site).

You can read the Appeal Decision letter on the City Council website (see below for details).  Here is a very brief summary – but please note it is our understanding, so please read the original for the full picture.  The Inspector says:

• The development should not take place in the Green Wedge. It will cause harm to the landscape quality and beauty of the Green Wedge and its function as a buffer between Broomfield and Springfield

• The development should not have taken place without permission. The Inspector places weight on this fact in reaching his decision.

• However, although Chelmsford has planned sufficient plots for travelling show people in its Local Plan, these are mostly within larger developments which have not yet been built. The Inspector doesn’t believe they will happen in the next few years.

• He accepts the appellants’ argument that they have no satisfactory alternative place to go. And that leaving the site at Roselawn Farm would adversely affect the children involved and family life.

• He therefore believes a temporary 3 year planning permission is the best solution, during which time he hopes that alternative arrangements can be made.

To read the full Appeal Decision, go to: https://planning.chelmsford.gov.uk/planning/planning-documents?SDescription=24/00023/REFUSE

Clearly this begs the question of what happens in 3 years if there are still no satisfactory alternatives.

If there are any further updates or information, we will let you know.  Finally, you can read the Parish Council’s objections to the development via the link below – this was our response to the original application made last year.

broomfield pc – response to plan app 23.01487.FUL – pdf.