Land At (OS 6704 6529)) Broadheath

1. 1.The development represents an incongruous and overly obtrusive addition to the setting of the grade II listed ‘The Fox Inn’ and is prominent in views of and from the heritage asset and the remainder of its setting. Therefore, it is considered that the proposed retention of the development would have an adverse impact (less than substantial at the medium level) on the setting of the grade II listed building, which would not be outweighed by any public benefits noting that the site would continue to be used for private, residential purposes, if permission was granted. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies SWDPR 03, SWDPR 09, SWDPR 22 and SWDPR 33 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026) and Chapter 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.In order to create the Gypsy/Traveller site, the trees and scrub which once populated the application site were removed, including several trees which were present along the site’s boundary adjacent to New Road, and in its place hardcore has been laid. This has resulted in the severance of the linear vegetated area, within which the application site is located and which represents a key feature within the local landscape. Furthermore, the loss of vegetation and the addition of caravans, which do form part of the local landscape character and thus appear incongruous, has resulted in the introduction of an anthropogenic form of development which is visually at odds with the natural, organic character of the immediate surrounding area. As a result of this it is considered that the development represents an incongruous addition to the local landscape and is visually obtrusive in views from within the surrounding area. Due to the significant nature of the visual impact of the development on the local landscape it is not considered that this impact can be mitigated through the proposed planting shown on the submitted site plan. More specifically, in order to mitigate this level of impact, the site would need to be returned to its former state, something which would not be possible alongside retention of the development. In light of the above, it is considered that the development fails to integrate with its surroundings and reinforce local distinctiveness, and therefore has a detrimental impact on the character, appearance and visual amenity of the application site and surrounding area, contrary to policies SWDPR 05, SWDPR 22, SWDPR 28 and SWDPR 34 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026), the South Worcestershire Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (2018) and Chapter 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
3. 3.In light of the fact that the required visibility splay from the site access northwards along New Road cannot be achieved without this splay crossing third-party land- the condition and associated level of obstruction of which cannot be controlled by the applicant, and noting that this matter could not have been addressed through the submission of additional/amended information due to its substantial nature, it is considered that the site does not possess a safe and convenient access to the highway network. It is therefore considered that the retention of the access would be detrimental to highway and pedestrian safety and that the proposal is therefore contrary to Policies SWDPR 06 and SWDPR 22 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026), the Worcestershire County Council Streetscape Design Guide (2025) and Chapter 9 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
4. 4.In the absence of sufficient evidence, due to the brevity and lack of specific detail included within the submitted planning statement, and noting reports of the use of a generator on site, it is considered that the site does not and cannot provide adequate on-site services for water supply, mains electricity, sanitation, foul and surface water drainage and for the screened storage and collection of refuse, including recyclable materials. As such, the proposal is contrary to policies SWDPR 22, SWDPR 39 and SWDPR 40 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026), Policy WCS 17 of the Waste Core Strategy for Worcestershire (2012) and Chapters 2 and 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

From the council's decision notice.

Application type

Full planning permission

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Hanley CP

Date validated

15 August 2025

Consultation expiry

25 September 2025

Consultation start

26 August 2025

Consultation end

25 September 2025

Agent address

5 Pool House Bancroft Road Reigate RH2 7RP

Advertisement expiry

25 September 2025

Documents

77