Four-pitch traveller site at Fryern Park, Fryern Park Farm, Storrington

What was proposed

The application proposed four traveller pitches, each with a static caravan and tourer, two amenity buildings, and continued horse keeping.

“DEVELOPMENT: Change of use of land to mixed use for the keeping of horses (existing) and residential Gypsy/Traveller caravan site comprising 4no. pitches, each containing one static caravan and one tourer, together with the erection of two ancillary amenity buildings.”

“This application seeks a change of use of land from the keeping of horses to a residential gypsy and traveller site, extending the existing gypsy and traveller site of Fryern Park Farm, Fryern Park. The existing Gypsy and Traveller site was established at appeal under application reference DC/18/2084 and contains two pitches.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is in countryside outside Storrington’s built-up area, within a Green Gap and surrounded by agricultural and equestrian fields.

“The site is located to the north of Fryern Park, outside of any Built-Up Area Boundary (BUAB) therefore in a countryside location. Access is to the site is via Fryern Park, a private road off Fryern Road, which provides access to a number of residential properties and land holdings which appear to have dominant equine usages. The site is not in a conservation area and there are no statutory or locally listed buildings in close vicinity.”

“Whilst the site is bounded in part by Fryern Park to the south, there are agricultural and equestrian fields surrounding the site in all directs. The closest residential property, Fryern Park House, is located approximately 72 metres to the east, with the Built-Up Area Boundary of Storrington located 154 metres to the east. A Public Right of Way (2647) runs parallel with the southern boundary of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and appeals

Two existing pitches were allowed on appeal, while an earlier proposal for two more pitches was ultimately dismissed over water neutrality.

“DC/20/0600 Change of use of land to provide 2.No traveller pitches including ancillary accommodation and car parking Application Refused on 27.07.2020 Appeal Dismissed – 30.03.2023.”

“The existing gypsy and traveller site was established under planning permission DC/18/2084, in which permission was granted at appeal. This permission granted consent for two pitches, ancillary accommodation and parking. A subsequent application, DC/20/0600, sought consent for a further two pitches in the southeast corner of the site, part of the area that forms this current application.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Drainage and environmental health concerns were addressed through revised information, while highways and rights of way officers raised no objection.

“HDC Drainage await details about the size and construction of the proposed Drainage Field for Foul Drainage and the Soakaway for Surface Water Drainage, invert levels of all drainage features and management and maintenance plans (including proprietary Device Manuals) must also be provided. Infiltration testing during winter is advised and winter groundwater levels must be at least 1m below the proposed soakaway.”

“HDC Environmental Health: No Objection Initial and Secondary Comments (20/03/2026 & 23/06/2026): This application does not contain sufficient information on the proposed foul drainage for this site to enable an adequate assessment of the feasibility of the use proposed. Spacing of caravans on the proposed plan is not adequate to meet the requirements of a Caravan Site Licence which will be required if this proposal is approved.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three members of the public spoke in support, and a ward councillor spoke about the proposal.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed possible highway and pedestrian safety impacts, including cumulative effects, emergency access and fire safety.

“It was also discussed that the proposed number of pitches could raise highway and pedestrian safety issues with the cumulative impacts arising from nearby developments.”

“Questions were raised regarding access for emergency vehicles and fire safety provision.”

Minutes

Vote and decision

The committee carried an alternative motion and approved the application with an added requirement for fire-service water-supply details.

“An alternative motion was proposed and seconded with amended condition to require the applicant to submit details of a water supply for fire service use.”

“The pitches hereby permitted shall not be bought into first use until details of water supply for the fire service have been submitted and…”

Minutes