Four-pitch gypsy site at Pear Tree Farm, Furners Lane, Woodmancote

“The application seeks planning permission for a proposed gypsy accommodation site comprising 4 pitches with static caravans and associated formal garden areas / curtilage. The pitches would be located within a parcel of land to the southeast side of the wider site with two pitches adjacent to each other over two rows (4 pitches in total), with each pitch comprising a day room with individual cycle and refuse storage facilities.”

“Amendments and additional information have been received to address officer comments in relation to the BNG, ancient woodland and landscape matters.”

“The application site forms a parcel of land within the south-eastern area of the wider site boundaries of Pear Tree Farm, which is located on the north side of Furners Lane near Henfield. Pear Tree Farm is accessed via a single gated entry / exit onto Furners Lane. Pear Tree Farm (2.39ha) lies outside of any defined settlement boundaries and therefore within the countryside. The built-up area boundary of Henfield is located approximately 0.8km to the west.”

“The wider character of the area surrounding the site is rural in nature and comprises a matrix of fields with field hedge boundaries, interspersed by existing sporadic residential dwellings (approx. 21 address points set along a 1.6km stretch of the private section of the lane to the east of the appeal site). There are some sporadic agricultural buildings in the surrounds of the wider countryside.”

“Given the precedent set by the previous appeal decisions and permissions on the wider site, the principle of development of the site for 4 additional pitches is considered acceptable and would not have an adverse amenity, highways or landscape impact. Subject to conditions to ensure the protection of the adjacent ancient woodland the proposal is considered acceptable and the application is recommended for approval, subject to the conditions shown.”

“Ecology Consultant: More Information / Temporary Holding Objection [Summary dated 3 rd March, 2026] Red boundary line on revised Site Details Drawing No. 2403PE_r7_000 Rev 005 (Manorwood Construction Ltd., December 2025) still does not reflect the red line boundary on the planning portal map or the habitat map in Appendix 2 of the PEA (Dec 2024) – the application appears to be sited adjacent to a block of ancient and semi-natural woodland to the east.”

“Still insufficient ecological information available to satisfactorily determine the application with regard to the ancient and semi-natural woodland (irreplaceable habitat) for the following reasons: • 15m buffer zone to the ancient woodland is welcomed and a 1.2m high post and rail fence • No new location plan, and red line boundary still goes through buffer zone into the ancient woodland • Additional ecological information therefore required to demonstrate appropriate…”

“Having resolved that the meeting would be adjourned, in accordance with paragraph 3.4.3 of the Council Procedure Rules, the Committee would reconvene at a future date to consider this item.”