Two traveller pitches at Newells Lane, West Ashling

“Proposal Use of land for the stationing of 2 no. caravans for residential purposes, formation of hardstanding and construction of 2 no. utility buildings/day rooms - alternative to single pitch permitted under 23/02640/FUL. Reinstatement original access.”

“This application was considered at the meeting of the planning committee on 12 March 2025. The resolution was to Defer for amendment to the red line, to reconsult and then delegate to officers. Following committee, discussions with the applicant progressed and the proposal for a new access was removed from this application. The reason for delegation to officers which the committee voted on was no longer relevant.”

“The application site, known as Land to the West of Newells Lane, is located within the Parish of Funtington, to the north west of Newells Lane. It is an area characterised by sporadic residential, agricultural, and equestrian development. This includes the established Gypsy and Traveller sites on Newells Lane, West Ashling Road, and Scant Road East.”

“The site is a broadly rectangular parcel of land, adjacent to Newells Lane to the east of the wider site. It lies within a field comprising several Gyspy and Traveller pitches.”

“In considering the above, the absence of a five-year supply, together with a significant unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches, identified within the GTAA 2022 and the absence of significant harm to arise from the development the proposal is acceptable subject to conditions and S106 planning obligation.”

“On the matter of Gypsy and Traveller site allocation in the Local Plan; [name withheld] confirmed the site being considered was not an allocated site within the newly adopted Local Plan, however, the Local Plan did allow for windfall sites to come forward.”

“Regarding the need for gypsy and traveller pitches; [name withheld] drew attention to paragraph 8.11 of the report which detailed the council’s requirement for gypsy and traveller pitches. There was a current unmet need of 130 pitches. [name withheld] further explained what the PPTS was and how a local need did not need to be demonstrated.”

“Following a vote by show of hands, the report recommendation to permit, was carried.”

“Resolved; Permit subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.”