One Gypsy Traveller pitch at The Old Stables Cooks Hill, Weedon

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought for one Gypsy Traveller family, one static caravan, one touring caravan, parking for two cars and associated infrastructure.

“Report to Buckinghamshire Council Planning Committee Report Application Number: 24/01053/APP Proposal: Change of use of land to residential for one Gypsy Traveller family. 1 Static Caravan, 1 Touring Caravan, Parking for 2 cars, with associated development and infrastructure (Retrospective). Site location: The Old Stables, Cooks Hill, High Street, Weedon, HP22 4NS”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions included stable buildings, a ménage and a temporary residential caravan site, while a later stable block and access road were approved.

“Reference: 12/02010/APP Development: Change of use of land to residential caravan site including removal of two stables Decision: Approved Decision Date: 4 June 2013”

“Reference: 20/00256/APP Development: Proposed stable block, manage and access road on existing paddock field along High Street. Timber post & rail fencing will be installed to enclose a manage and existing field. A permeable access road will be created to access the stable block with enough space for turning/reversing. Decision: Approved Decision Date: 30 November 2021”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers found unmet need for traveller pitches, no available alternative accommodation and no unacceptable impacts, subject to planning conditions.

“October 2024 at Nash Park, Great Horwood (APP/J0405/W/24/3341663 para 31 to 32) since then also concluded that there was not a 5-year supply of traveller sites, that the unmet need could be substantial and that there were no available alternative pitches within the Vale of Aylesbury.”

“The availability (or lack) of alternative accommodation for the applicants 5.22 The Design and Access Statement submitted in support of the application states that there is a lack of available sites in the area and the county. It is acknowledged that the applicant has not presented any evidence of attempting to search for alternative sites.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from a councillor for Weedon Parish Council, an objector and the applicant’s representative.

The committee vote

Councillor P Fealey proposed approval and Councillor R Stuchbury seconded it before the committee resolved to approve the application.

“It was proposed by Councillor P Fealey, seconded by Councillor R Stuchbury and…”

“That application 24/01053/APP be APPROVED, subject to the conditions set out in section eight of the Case Officer’s report which were amended as follows: i. To amend condition 4 to remove the electric vehicle charging requirement. ii. To insert a condition in relation to a noise assessment being undertaken, and that recommendations of that assessment be adhered to.”

Minutes