Six-caravan gypsy site at Land South of Cidermill Hatch, Partridge Lane, Newdigate, Dorking

What was proposed

The application sought to vary an approved condition for a two-pitch settled gypsy accommodation site and widen access for six caravans.

“MO/2026/00543 Variation of Condition 2 of approved application MO/2024/0514 (Appeal Reference 3347934) for a proposed two pitch settled gypsy accommodation site, including widening of the access to allow an increase in the number of caravans to 6.”

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The site and its history

The site had an Inspector-approved lawful use as a two-pitch gypsy and traveller site, while the application proposed more caravans.

“In the discussion that followed Members went on to consider the appeal decision in respect of this application and noted the context of the Inspector’s decision at that time. The Case Officer clarified the background of the site and the harm previously identified by the LPA and the Inspector but advised Members that the baseline had changed and that the Inspector granted planning permission for a two pitched gypsy and traveller site which was the lawful use of the site.”

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The officer recommendation

The Chairman proposed approving the application in accordance with the officer’s recommendation.

“The Chairman then proposed a motion to approve the application as per the officer’s recommendation in the officer’s report.”

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Who spoke

The agent spoke to the committee about the application.

What members discussed

Members discussed touring caravans, the application’s retrospective nature, site intensification, the appeal context and possible monitoring conditions.

“When considering this application, Members sought clarification on several points including the allowance for touring caravans on site. The Case Officer confirmed that condition 11 prevented any additional touring caravans or motorhomes from remaining on site. The Committee then considered the application’s retrospective nature and discussed whether the application presented a significant intensification of the site.”

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A proposed condition change

A member proposed amended wording requiring replacement planting where approved trees, hedges or plants were removed, died, became diseased or were seriously damaged.

“Members also asked whether officers could add conditions relating to visiting and monitoring the site. Officers advised that any conditions must be necessary to make a development acceptable in planning terms, relevant to the development and to planning considerations generally, sufficiently precise to make them capable of being complied with and enforced, and reasonable in all other respects.”

“Any trees, hedges or plants planted in accordance with the approved scheme which are removed, die, become diseased or are seriously damaged within 10 years of completion of the approved scheme shall be replaced within the next planting season. Replacement planting shall be of a similar size and the same species as that originally approved, unless an alternative species has first been agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

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How the committee voted

An initial vote had one member in favour, two against and nine abstentions; the officer recommendation was then overturned, before a later vote approved the application.

“(NB. Counted vote on the decision of the Committee – 1 in favour, 2 against, 9 abstentions)”

“The Chairman then proposed the motion to approve the application as per the officer’s recommendation with the additional information contained in the addendum and amendment to conditions. (NB. Counted vote on the decision of the Committee – 5 in favour, 3 against, 4 abstentions) RESOLVED: That permission be GRANTED in respect to application no. MO/2026/00543 as recommended.”

Minutes