CONTROVERSIAL plans to permit land to be turned into a residential caravan site look set to be approved despite almost 50 objections.

Charles Smith’s application for the site, which is bounded by Fir Tree Close and the M56 in Stretton, will come before the development management committee at Orford Jubilee Hub later today, Wednesday.

The application proposes the retrospective change of use of the land to mixed use for the stabling of horses and as a residential caravan site for five gypsy households – each with up to two caravans, of which no more than one shall be a static caravan/mobile home.

It also seeks retrospective consent for the laying out of additional hardstanding.

However, 46 letters of objection have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council from residents, along with objections from Whitley Parish Council and Stretton Parish Council.

Whitley Parish Council says it would present inappropriate development in the green belt and claims the applicant has shown disregard for the planning process.

It adds the site is particularly large and has potential for families to continue development beyond the application currently being considered.

Stretton Parish Council also says it would deliver inappropriate development in the green belt and raised concerns over future development on the site.

However, borough council officers have recommended the application be approved subject to conditions.

In a planning statement, they said: “The proposal is considered to be inappropriate development in the green belt.

“However, it is considered relevant that the local plan review confirms that there are no known sites within the urban area available to meet the needs of gypsies and traveller accommodation.

“The green belt assessment of the site as part of the evidence base of the local plan review concludes that the site performs poorly in relation to its contribution to the green belt.

“Furthermore, the site is largely a previously developed site within the green belt and, as such, this reduces the impact of the proposed development in terms of openness.”