Travellers site on Lawrences Lane appeal refused by planning inspector
West Berkshire Council’s refusal of an unauthorised traveller’s site in Thatcham has been upheld following a planning inquiry.
The development first began, without planning permission, in August 2021, on Lawrences Lane.
A large number of workmen were spotted erecting large fences, laying concrete bases and cornering off sections of the land.
The development was faced with a stop order from West Berkshire Council.
A retrospective planning application was then submitted for the construction of seven traveller pitches comprising seven static caravans, seven day rooms, seven touring caravans and associated works.
In September 2021 West Berkshire Council took the case to the High Court to get an injunction to stop the development.
The applicants had a two month window to lodge an appeal, which they did, but it was later adjourned to December 8.
After a lengthy process, the planning inspectorate ruled in favour of the council’s refusal for planning permission.
The planning inspector raised a number of issues with the planning application in a report submitted last week (May 5).
One of those is the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area.
Another issue raised is whether or not any adverse impacts on ecology, biodiversity and the natural environment would be adequately mitigated or compensated.
It questioned whether the proposed drainage strategy would provide an effective means for the disposal of surface water from the site.
It also questioned whether the proposal would facilitate safe and suitable access and whether – or to what extent – the development complies with the development plan and national policy set out in planning policy for traveller sites and the National Planning Policy Framework.
Finally it raised issue with whether there are material considerations, like the need for such sites or the personal circumstances of intended occupants, which outweigh any conflicts with the plan.
The inspector, David Rose, in his report, said: “I recognise that opportunities for gypsy and traveller sites in West Berkshire are limited, given the extensive area covered by the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and other constraints.
“Although it is said that the impact of this seven pitch scheme would be no greater, and potentially less, than any equivalent proposal, I have found the project before me to have significant underlying drawbacks.
The inspector also found that the adjournment of the inquiry by the appellants amounted to unreasonable behaviour that gave rise to unnecessary expenses by the council, for which he granted the council a partial award of costs.
West Berkshire Council’s executive director of place Clare Lawrence said: “The council will now carefully consider the appropriate next steps following the dismissal of the appeal.
“The council will continue to identify and allocate appropriate sites to provide accommodation in the district to cater for the needs of gypsies and travellers through our emerging local plan and an associated supplementary planning document.
“We strongly encourage prospective applicants to engage with the council prior to undertaking work or occupying land without the necessary permissions”