Decision details

A report by the Assistant Director (Localities) was submitted in respect of an application for the approval of a campsite licence     under section 269 of the Public Health Act 1936, in respect of the Paddock, Sheep Hey Farm, Shuttleworth, Bury, by Mrs Carol Rothwell. 

Officers explained that their focus is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those using the site and the amenities provided. An initial site visit was undertaken by Officers of the Council’s Housing Standards Department and the Fire Service on 7 November 2017.  A satisfactory Fire Risk Assessment for the campsite was obtained by the Fire Service and further advice was given by Officers to Mrs Rothwell on the requirements in terms of conditions to meet the campsite licence.

                     Planning permission was granted for a campsite following an application from Mrs Rothwell on 26 May 2016.  Permission was granted for 20 pitches (tents only, no caravans or motor homes are permitted) and the siting of 2 portaloos and showers and a second site visit was undertaken on 12 April 2018 by Housing Standards and the Fire Service.

                     Mrs Rothwell attended the Licensing and Safety meeting along with a number of local residents, who opposed the licence, who had also submitted an email to the Licensing and Safety Panel members prior to the meeting with their objections.  The Chair granted permission for a spokesperson to voice their concerns at the meeting. These concerns included enforcing the conditions of the planning application, sufficient levels of insurance of the site, the provision of passing places along the narrow single track lane leading to the campsite and properties, which must only be via Leaches Road and the position of the portaloos and showers, which were in close proximity to the residents’ houses.

                     Members of the Licensing and Safety Panel asked various questions of Mrs Rothwell in respect of the application and raised issues in relation to the objections submitted by the local residents.

                     The Council Solicitor explained that under the provisions of the Public Health Act, if an application for a campsite licence is submitted and the local authority do not grant it with conditions attached, it is deemed granted unconditional after 4 weeks. There is no consideration of whether the applicant is fit and proper, but rather whether the site is suitable taking into account such things as the provision of water, sanitation, no risk of fire and other such issues. The conditions proposed are to deal with those matters.

It was agreed:

                     To grant a licence with conditions attached with the report in relation to The Paddock, Sheep Hey Farm, Shuttleworth, for 20 pitches.