Green belt bungalow given go-ahead to protect animals from thieves
Owners of a smallholding plagued by burglars and trespassers have been allowed to build a bungalow so they can live on site to protect their animals.
A previous bid to build a bungalow on the land off Brindley Heath Road was rejected because it was considered inappropriate development in the green belt that would harm the character of the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
But the applicants got their wish granted second time round when Cannock Chase Council’s planning committee went against the recommendation of officers to refuse permission again and voted in favour of allowing the bungalow.
A design and access statement submitted as part of the application said: “The site is part of a three-acre equestrian facility with five stables, tack room, barn and ancillary buildings. There is also a small free range chicken pen.
“The site is suffering from a plague of burglaries, fence damage, gate damage and loss of farm machinery.
"The site owners who have owned the site for 19 years would like to move onto the site to offer a security presence.
“It is proposed to remove the two containers currently on site and build a two bedroom bungalow designed to sit into the hill with a low pitch sedum roof.”
A report to Wednesday’s planning committee meeting said: “Mr Hawkins (the applicant) has spent a number of nights sleeping in the existing building to deter intruders.
"This is not ideal given his age and state of physical health. The applicant feels that living on the site is the only long-term solution to address these issues and to ensure the welfare of the animals.”
But Councillor Paul Woodhead raised concerns that the property could be extended in future years if it was allowed.
Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald said: “If we say yes to this we are giving the go-ahead to small businesses and other residents to live on the Green Belt – this is what we want to protect.”
Councillor Alan Pearson, who lives near the smallholding, supported the application.
He said: “I have told by police that many times about animals being targeted and stuff being stolen. The applicant’s husband has slept there many times to try and catch the offenders and he can’t doss out in barns any more.
“They are going to have a roof on it covered with plants – it is going to feed butterflies and insects. I go against officers’ recommendations because I believe there are very special needs.”
Councillor Alan Dudson said: “I think there is a need for occupation of this land for the animals’ welfare.”
