Plans for gypsy pitches in woods refused permission

PLANS for two gypsy pitches in Sonning Common have been rejected.

Building contractors John and Cindy Ayres applied for planning permission to develop almost seven hectares of land near Bishopswood recreation ground.

The vacant land, part of a former Second World War camp off Gallowstree Road, has a public footpath running through it and is in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

More than 200 residents objected, saying the site is outside the built-up area of Sonning Common and the development would not be in keeping with the area and would put off walkers from using it.

Now South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, hasrefused planning permission.

In a decision notice, planning officer Paul Lucas says: “The site is not previously developed land and represents a countryside gap, which is readily invaded by the adjoining woodland between Sonning Common and Gallowstree Common.

“This gap continues to play an important role in preserving the open countryside character of this part of the Chilterns AONB.

“The proposal would represent an intrusion of a residential use on to the site, with all the domestic paraphernalia that brings with it.

“The physical form would not be in keeping with the traditional Chilterns AONB vernacular.

“The proposed vehicular access and proposed alterations to the existing vehicular access would require removal of boundary hedging, thereby opening up the site. The harmful impact would be evident from the roadside boundary and particularly at close quarters from receptors using the public right of way crossing the site.

“In this context, the proposal would fail to conserve and enhance this part of the Chilterns AONB landscape, thereby in conflict with the aims and objectives of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 and the Sonning Common neighbourhood development plan.”

Mr Lucas says the area is not a suitable area for travellers to live as the majority of amenities are more than 1km away, the public footpath through the woods is unsurfaced and unlit and the 60mph road next to it is unlit and has no footpath. There is also no bus service.

He adds: “The location away from existing settlements would also fail to promote peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community.”

Mr Lucas also says the Ayres failed to provide sufficient information on the retention of trees and the likely impact on dormice, a protected species, which might be affected by the loss of hedgerow.

The application stated that each pitch would have one touring caravan and one mobile home with a dayroom, two parking spaces and access.

It added: “These will integrate effectively and be materially sympathetic with the surrounding landscape and character of the area. The application site is screened by existing vegetation and planting on its peripheries.”

The application said that government policy was to address “under- provision” of traveller sites and increase the number “in appropriate locations with planning permission”.