Lower Fox Farm, Bascote Heath, Southam - Public Inquiry

A public inquiry starts on Wednesday 8 May 2013, following an appeal by Mr G Byrne against an Enforcement Notice served by Stratford-on-Avon District Council on land at Lower Fox Farm, Bascote Heath, Southam.

The appeal relates to the unauthorised change of use of the site from agriculture to mixed use including:

• Agriculture
• Business use (for landscaping, tree surgery and off-site forestry)
• Retail sales
• The processing of timber
• The storage of vehicles, domestic items / paraphernalia, pallets, metal and metal trolleys
• The stationing of a mobile home for residential purposes
• The stationing of a container and lorry bodies

Stratford-on-Avon District Council served the Enforcement Notice on the grounds that the site is not an appropriate location for new residential development due to its isolated location away from shops and services; that the creation of a retail use would have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Southam; and because the uncontrolled storage at the site is harmful to the character and appearance of the rural location.

The inquiry, expected to last for 2 days, will be held at the Council Offices, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon starting at 10am.  A Government Planning Inspector will preside over the inquiry.

Members of the public may attend the inquiry and express their view – at the discretion of the inspector.

Planning Inspectorate Reference: APP/J3720/C/12/2185174

This was postponed in March as the Inspector was ill.