Four-family traveller site at The Orchard, Barnack, Stamford

“Proposal: Change of use of land to use as residential caravan site for 4 gypsy/traveller families, each with two caravans including no more than one static caravan/mobile home, together with retention of existing building for use as ancillary dayroom and laying of hardstanding…”

“Proposal Planning permission is sought for the 'change of use of land to use as residential caravan site for 4 gypsy/traveller families, each with two caravans including no more than one static caravan/mobile home, together with retention of existing building for use as ancillary dayroom and laying of hardstanding'.”

“Site Description The application site is located on a parcel of land know as 'The Orchard', situated to the north of the village and civil parish of Barnack. The application site is located outside of the Peterborough Urban Boundary as well as the Barnack village envelope. Therefore, the site is designated as countryside. The site is also partly within MWCS26 Sand and Gravel zone.”

“Access to the site would be from an existing arrangement off Uffington Road to the east. The application site measures 0.89hectacres, characterised by laid grass, with areas planted with several dozen trees. The site is surrounded by open fields to the east, south and west. To the north is the Vineyard, a parcel of land that has a lawful use as a plant nursery. A mature treeline separates the two sites.”

“However, the application fails to demonstrate that safe and convenient access can be achieved from Uffington Road. Despite repeated requests, the applicant has not provided sufficient technical information to satisfy the requirements of Policy LP10(c) and LP13 of the Peterborough Local Plan (2019), nor the guidance set out in Chapter 9 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).”

“R1 The principle of the proposed change of use of land to use as residential caravan site for 4 gypsy/traveller families is considered to be contrary to Policy LP10(c) due to the failure to provide a safe and convenient access point.”

“Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) commissioned by the council in 2016. As part of the evidence base for the draft Local Plan currently undergoing public consultation, the council has published an updated GTAA (April 2025) for the period 2025-2044.”

“The assessment shows a need for 72 pitches for Gypsy and Traveller households in Peterborough up to 2044. Of this identified need of 72 pitches, 36 of these pitches are needed during the first five years.”

“The Committee considered the report and representations. A motion was proposed and seconded to REFUSE the application as per the officer recommendation as set out in the Committee Report and Update Report. The Committee RESOLVED unanimously to REFUSE the planning permission.”

“R2 The proposed development crosses National Grid’s High-Pressure Gas Pipeline – 4 Feeder Peterborough Comp / A1(T). A holding objection remains in place from National Grid following a request for additional information in the form of a Quantitative Risk Assessment which has not been received, and therefore insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that there would not be an unacceptable risk to future occupiers, contrary to LP10 and LP17 of the…”