Summary of Inspector’s Decision (2022)
A 950 word summary of the Inspector’s 6,000 word decision. Emphases are added to assist in identifying key points.
July 30, 2022
Demolition of stable building and change of use of land to a private Gypsy and Traveller caravan site, consisting of one mobile home and associated development.
The 2017 proposal was for the addition of a mobile home to the site.
The 2022 proposal was for the demolition of the existing lawful buildings and replacing them with a mobile home.
The 2017 proposal was assessed against NPPF(2012).
The 2022 proposal was assessed against NPPF(2021).
The National Planning Policy Framework was revised in 2018. A small but significant change was made to the paragraphs that outline when a development can be considered to be appropriate in the green belt.
The Inspector was not presented with any “persuasive or clear evidence that demonstrated that the criterion would exclude the change of use of land for a caravan site from consideration under paragraph 150(e)”.
Note: Residents can clarify how paragraphs 149 and 150 should be interpreted by writing a neighbourhood plan.
For the 2017 appeal RBK’s unmet need for travellers sites was determined to be 11 pitches.
Since that appeal a fresh assessment has been made – RBK’s unmet need has now been determined to be 44 pitches, with 30 required by 2023.
RBK has made no progress identifying suitable sites since the last appeal.
Planning Policy for Travellers Sites states that travellers sites in the green belt are inappropriate development unless it is in the best interests of the children.
A 950 word summary of the Inspector’s 6,000 word decision. Emphases are added to assist in identifying key points.
If you have any questions or comments about how the decision was reached, submit them using the form below.
***UPDATE*** RBK will be challenging the decision.
