One Gypsy site at Merry Lees, Billet Hill, Ash

What was proposed

The application sought removal of a personal occupancy condition from permission for one residential Gypsy and Traveller pitch.

“25/00692/CONVAR Date expired 7 May 2025 Proposal: Removal of condition 1 (The occupation of the site hereby permitted shall be carried out only by [name withheld] and [name withheld], and their resident dependents) of 23/01755/FUL to Change of use of land to use as residential Gypsy/Traveller site comprising 1 Pitch (1 Mobile Home, 1 Touring Caravan) with a fence and gate and proposed hardstanding Location: Merry Lees, Billet Hill, Ash Kent TN15 7HG Ward(s): Ash…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is west of Ash, on a wooded and enclosed lane with nearby dwellings, and appeared vacant with hardstanding laid.

“Site and Location: The application site is located to the west of the village of Ash and approximately 2km (1.2 miles) south-west of the centre New Ash Green by road. The site is located on a lane characterised by its heavily enclosing features, including man-made features such as walls and other hard boundaries, and wooded enclosures.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier decisions granted permanent Gypsy and Traveller use, but personal occupancy conditions limited who could occupy the site.

“17/00796/FUL Change of use of land to residential use, for one gypsy traveller family. Site to contain one static caravan, one touring caravan and parking for two associated vehicles. GRANT 21/07/2017 Condition 3 to this decision requires cessation of use and removal of all caravans, structures etc. from the site on expiry of the 3-year period.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

A parish representative addressed the committee, while no speaker was listed against or for the application.

Members’ discussion

Members asked about Gypsy and Traveller allocation need, expressed concern about site management, and noted that grey belt status removed the need for very special circumstances.

“Members asked questions of clarification of the Officers, which focused on the Gypsy and Traveller allocation need in the Local Plan process. Members were advised that a five year allocation plan needed to be demonstrated.”

“Members discussed the report, with some concern expressed that removing the conditions could take away the management of the site. It was further noted that the…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission to remove the personal restriction, retaining conditions limiting occupation to Gypsies and Travellers and controlling the site’s use.

“Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

“1) The site shall not be occupied by any persons other than Gypsies and Travellers, defined as persons of nomadic habit of life whatever their race or origin, including such persons who on grounds only of their own or their family's or dependants' educational or health needs or old age have ceased to travel temporarily or permanently, but excluding members of an organised group of travelling showpeople or circus people travelling together as such.”

Minutes