PLANS to develop four traveller pitches on land near Wellington have been approved amid an ‘unmet need’ for sites in the district.

The application to change the use of land in Bradford-on-Tone from agricultural to residential, so four pitches, a hardstanding, day rooms and bin and cycle stores can be built, was debated by a Somerset Council planning committee on Wednesday, May 1.

Independent Councillor John Hunt (Bishop’s Hull and Taunton West) lodged an objection to the plan at The Gables, Wellington Road, on behalf of 38 residents citing concerns over traffic, but the highway authority has raised no objection and says the proposed access and intended use is acceptable.

A report attached to the planning application states: “The highway authority notes the site was the subject of an enforcement appeal in 2013 relating to a change of use from residential use to the sale of motor vehicles and maintenance.

“During the appeal, highway safety was raised an issue by the highway authority. However, the Inspector found that having regard to the road characteristics the existing access was acceptable and allowed the appeal.

“The highway authority provide the following comments to inform the assessment of the application; ‘whilst the proposed visibility which can be achieved is below standard, the highway authority recognises that the principle of access has been established already, and there would be no demonstrable harm from the proposal utilising the site, as the nature of the site already has a level of vehicular movement associated with it’.

“As witnessed at multiple site visits, whilst the A38 is substantially trafficked, there are a number of accesses along this stretch of carriageway, namely Rumwell Farm Shop.”

The report also states that in the absence of relevant or up to date planning policies, the balance is tilted “in favour of the grant of permission.”

The report added: “The council has an unmet need for gypsy and traveller sites. Therefore, significant weight is attached to the delivery of additional pitches.

“Given the modest scale and siting of the development, it is considered the proposal would have no adverse impact upon residential amenity or dominate the settled community.”