Gypsy pitch plan turned down for third time

A BID to build a gypsy pitch on a disused site on the outskirts of Sonning Common has been knocked back for the third time to preserve the “countryside gap”.

Building contractors John and Cindy Ayres applied to South Oxfordshire District Council to develop a 0.7ha plot of land near Bishopswood Recreation Ground.

The plans included the installation of one static mobile home unit and dayroom on the north-western side of the site off Gallowstree Road.

Mr and Mrs Ayres argued that the plans address a shortfall of Gypsy and Traveller pitches.

But South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, refused saying it would harm the Chilterns National Landscape. Planning officer Paul Lucas said the gap played an important role in preserving the “open countryside character” of the area.

Mr Lucas upheld the planning inspectorate’s determination in an appeal to build two houses on the site in 2017 on the basis that it did not comprise previously developed land.

He said that although the site was used during the Second World War as a camp, its use was abandoned before it was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1965 and had since become “overgrown” and “heavily wooded”.

Mr Lucas said: “Officers also agree with that inspector’s view that the site represents a countryside gap between Sonning Common and Gallowstree Common. This is not altered by the presence of the built form of the Bishopswood Day Nursery adjacent to the site.

“A key objective continues to be creating strong landscape edges to settlements, including Sonning Common, to reduce urbanising influences on open countryside.”

Mr Lucas went on to say it was a “speculative application” and didn’t include evidence of input from the Gypsy and Traveller community.

He said: “Consequently, there are some doubts as to whether the proposal would be effective in meeting the identified need.

“The application is not made by or for a specific Gypsy or Traveller family and therefore no personal circumstances are advanced in support of the application.” He added that any benefit towards the shortfall of Gypsy or Traveller sites in the district would be void by the inclusion of just one pitch.

More than 170 residents objected to the application, saying it would have a detrimental impact on the landscape, stretch local amenities, and represent further encroachment into the countryside.

It was also opposed by parish councils in Sonning Common, Kidmore End and Peppard.

Sonning Common Parish Council said the plan to install just one pitch would put tenants at risk of “unkind interactions”, citing government guidance on provision for Gypsy and Traveller communities.