The site lies within Flood Zone 3, an area at high risk of flooding, where national policy states that 'Highly Vulnerable' development, including permanent residential mobile homes, should not be permitted. Notwithstanding this in-principle objection, the submitted Flood Risk Assessment fails to demonstrate that the development would be safe for its lifetime, and no Sequential Test has been undertaken to show that there are no reasonably available alternative sites at lower flood risk. Accordingly, the proposal cannot be considered safe or resilient for future occupiers. The harm arising from flood risk therefore significantly and demonstrably outweighs any benefits related to Gypsy and Traveller site provision. The proposal is contrary to Policies D1 and D8 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan, the National Planning Policy Framework, and the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites, all of which advise strongly against locating Highly Vulnerable uses within areas of high flood risk.

The proposed mobile homes are located within 6 metres of the adjoining ordinary watercourses. Given their proximity, it has not been adequately demonstrated that the development would allow for the ongoing inspection, access, and maintenance of these watercourses without compromise. In the absence of such evidence, the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the development would avoid increasing flood risk to the site itself or to land and property elsewhere. The proposal therefore fails to comply with Policy D1 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

No details of a surface water drainage strategy have been submitted. In the absence of such information, the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the development would provide an appropriate means of managing surface water run-off, avoid increased flood risk on- or off-site, or ensure that drainage can be achieved in a safe and sustainable manner for the lifetime of the development. The proposal therefore fails to comply with Policy D1 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

Insufficient information has been provided to enable the Local Planning Authority to assess the potential impacts of the development on protected habitats and species. In the absence of such an assessment the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the proposal would avoid harm to biodiversity or provide appropriate mitigation or enhancement measures. The proposal therefore fails to comply with policy D20 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan and 2005/06 circular on Biodiversity and Geodiversity.

Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the development would provide for parking and turning provision for all vehicles associated with the proposal within the site. In addition, no swept path analysis has been provided to show that vehicles can safely enter and exit the site in forward gear. It has also not been demonstrated that the proposal would not give rise to conflict with walkers and other users of the public right of way which runs along the access track. In the absence of such information, the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the proposal would achieve safe and suitable access for all users or avoid an unacceptable impact on highway safety. The development therefore fails to comply with Policy D14 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan.