Planning bid for Calderdale land 'historically known as dumping ground'
Green belt land near Sowerby Bridge previously “well-known by the council as a historical dumping ground” could instead be a smallholding, if planners agree.
The land has been acquired by “vacant possession” and since lived on for more than a decade and a half by the applicant, who wants to make the changes at the “Freeland Farm Caravan” at Crow Hill Road, Triangle, according to the application.
She has applied to Calderdale Council seeking part retrospective planning permission for two new agricultural buildings, associated agricultural small buildings, raised vegetable beds, two solar panels and a wind turbine at the site.
A supporting statement from the agent for the applicant, Mike Harris Planning, says the site and nature of the application is “somewhat unusual in planning terms, as the land has been acquired by vacant possession, and occupied by the applicant for over 15 years".
The agent says the land has had a chequered past.
“The land is well known by Calderdale MBC as a historical dumping ground, where burnt-out cars and rubbish and fly-tipping has plagued this area of land for many years.
“The site has also been frequented many times over the years for illicit activities by visitors, parking on the adjacent lane – identified as a bridleway,” says the agent.
But, he goes on, “the land has been developed through various accesses and the erection of small buildings since 2009, and this has evolved into an increased array of buildings, up to the present day”.
Since then the site has been turned into “a productive farm, rearing livestock – predominantly poultry, as a commercial enterprise.”
“By establishing a permanent residency on site, the applicant can be available to nurture the intensive poultry business on a 24/7 basis,” claims the statement, with a business plan also submitted in support of the application.
The agent notes the site is in the Green Belt but argues the application demonstrates the necessary “very special circumstances” which would allow the proposals to be approved.
However, Calderdale Council environmental health officers are concerned about absence of a drinking water supply to the site and arrangements for treated waste water disposal.
And the British Horse Society are worried about impact on the bridleway and want more information about how it might be affected and maintained.