Appeal process into Lawrence's Lane traveller's site development in Thatcham begins

An appeal lodged over a refused planning application for a traveller’s site in Thatcham has begun.

The application for appeal was received on February 6 and has since started after being confirmed as “valid” by the Planning Inspectorate.

A retrospective application for the seven static caravans, seven day rooms and seven touring caravans on land at the end of Lawrences Lane was refused late last year.

The unauthorised development was first spotted on August 13, 2021, when a large number of workmen were seen taking machinery and equipment on to the former stables.

More than 250 objections were put forward after the development caused a stir among nearby residents.

After West Berkshire Council took the case to the High Court in September 2021 to get an injunction, the defendants were given two months to appeal the decision.

An inspector has been appointed to decide the appeal and an inquiry will open at 10am on September 20.

The decision is expected to be issued on or before November 4.