Six-pitch gypsy accommodation site at Long Wells Vineyard, Marches Road, Warnham

What was proposed

The application proposed six settled gypsy pitches, each with an amenity area and permeable parking, with the remaining land used for grazing horses.

“The application seeks to erect a six-pitch settled gypsy accommodation site. No other works to commence development has been undertaken. The six pitches would be positioned along the access road to the existing dwelling in Long Well Vineyard. Each pitch includes an amenity area and permeable hardstanding for parking. The remainder of the area will be used for grazing horses.”

Officer report

The site

The site is countryside outside the built-up area boundary, accessed from Marches Road and bordered by homes, the road and an established vineyard.

“The site is located to the south of Marches Road, outside of any Built-Up Area Boundary (BUAB) in a countryside location. Access is to the north of the site directly off Marches Road. The site is not in a Conservation Area and does not contain any Listed Buildings.”

“The site is bounded in part on the western and northern sides by Marches Road. To the south of the site lies 13 residential properties (known as 1 to 6 The Woodford, 1 to 6 Northlands Cottages and Autumn Leaves) with long back gardens backing onto the site. To…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included permission for two gypsy and traveller pitches, while a separate replacement dwelling application was refused.

“DC/23/1269 Removal of Condition 2 of previously approved application DC/18/1748 (Permanent siting of agricultural workers dwelling) Relating to the agricultural occupancy condition. Application Permitted on 10.11.2023”

“DC/25/1724 Erection of a replacement new two storey dwelling. Application Refused on 19.12.2025”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the district had an identified shortfall of gypsy and traveller pitches and the effects could be controlled by conditions.

“As above, the Council are not currently able to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply to accommodate an identified need of Gypsy and Travelling Showpeople sites within the District. It is recognised that there is a lack of deliverable sites for gypsies and travellers, and there remains an identified need for such accommodation within the District.”

“The proposal would deliver 6 additional pitches, making a meaningful contribution toward addressing the identified shortfall. The policy framework for gypsy and traveller pitches does not prevent their delivery in the rural countryside, and such development is not expected to achieve the same level of accessibility as general market housing.”

Officer report

What people said

Thirty objection letters and a parish council objection raised concerns about the countryside location, privacy, noise, ecology, infrastructure, traffic and road safety.

“Unsuitable location and siting – outside built-up area, visible from Marches Road, inappropriate in principle • Amenity and privacy impacts – loss of privacy, increased noise, harm to rural character • Environmental harm – loss of trees/open land, damage to landscape character and ecology • Inadequate infrastructure – no mains drainage, inadequate sewerage/waste disposal, lack of amenities • Transport and safety issues – increased traffic, unsafe access, no public…”

“Road is a designated route from the A29 to the A24 for all traffic including HGV vehicles where currently and as proposed insufficient set back of the entrance from the site to provide proper visibility splays as the site entrance is currently screened with hedgerows. This road has high traffic levels as indicated by the parish council traffic monitoring as well as witnessing a number of serious accidents due to speed and junction blindness.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two representatives of the agent spoke in support, the parish council spoke against, and the ward member spoke about the proposal.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed ecological impacts, touring caravan numbers and dimensions, flood risk, drainage and sustainability.

“Finally, Condition 5 required the submission of a Great Crested Newt certificate. This had now been received, and Condition 5 would therefore be removed. Condition 16 would remain in place as the relevant regulatory condition relating to this matter.”

“Members discussed potential ecological impacts and requested clarification on the number of touring caravans permitted per pitch, including details of measurements and dimensions. Further discussion included potential flood risk at this location, drainage details and sustainability.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation, and the great crested newt certificate condition was removed because the certificate had been received.

“That DC/25/1727 be approved in accordance with officer recommendation.”

Minutes