One permanent Traveller pitch at Land Off Festival Road, Billingford

The site

The site lies behind homes along Festival Road, is reached by a narrow track and has open countryside to the east, south and west.

“SITE DESCRIPTION The site is located to the rear of the built form along Festival Road, which is accessed from Bawdeswell Road. The site is accessed via a narrow track leading from Festival Road. The site is set behind the established residential frontage, with open countryside to the east, south and west. Mature vegetation is present along parts of the site and its boundaries. DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT Retrospective application for 1 no.”

Officer report

Planning history

A materially similar application for two residential static caravans and two touring caravans was refused in 2024, and the subsequent appeal was dismissed.

“There have been a number of historic planning applications on this site; the following are the most recent/relevant: 3PL/2023/1058/F - Change of use of land for the standing of two residential static caravans and two touring caravans to meet the accommodation needs of a local Gypsy/Traveller family to include ancillary works. REFUSED 1 st July 2024”

Officer report

Main planning balance

The site did not fully meet locational requirements, but officers gave substantial weight to meeting unmet Traveller need and providing a settled home.

“Turning to other key considerations, Policy HOU08 of the Breckland Local Plan (2023) supports proposals for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Show people accommodation where they are appropriate in planning terms and meet a series of criteria.”

“Substantial weight is therefore afforded to the proposals in assisting to meet this identified need. The previous Inspector's decision is also relevant in this respect. At the time of the appeal the Inspector similarly found that the Council could not demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable Gypsy and Traveller pitches and afforded significant weight to the unmet need for additional provision. That position remains a material consideration.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected, while highways, environmental protection, ecology, trees and Natural England raised no objection subject to stated measures or conditions.

“Therefore, we repeat we do not feel this application should be approved and thereby rewarding previous non compliances with planning regulations. A few years ago, when a structure was built in Billingford without the correct consent, you enforced the dismantling of it, and we ask you to remain consistent and REJECT the retrospective planning application.”

“The Local Highway Authority (LHA) does not raise an objection to the proposal based on the information presented within the submitted documents subject to the access being upgraded as outlined in our response (dated 8 th November 2025). ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION No objections, subject to conditions. TREE OFFICER”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward representative and another councillor spoke against the application on behalf of the parish council, and the applicant's agent also addressed the committee.

Committee discussion

Members considered the application in detail against the relevant policies and guidance, and a site visit was proposed but not seconded.

“Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.”

“A site visit was proposed but was not seconded.”

Minutes

The vote

Members approved the officer recommendation by seven votes to one, subject to the report's conditions.

“DECISION: Members voted 7 x 1 in favour of the Officer’s recommendation of approval, subject to the conditions as listed in the report.”

Minutes