A proposal for four residential Gypsy and Traveller pitches has been refused by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

The application sought approval for change of use of paddock land east of Seven Stars in Stroud and included formation of a new vehicular access and associated hardstanding and landscaping. With parking for three vehicles, bin storage, cycle storage and an EV charge point, and each pitch would have provided a mobile home.

Planning reference ( SDNP/24/01102/FUL) was refused yesterday (Tuesday, March 11).

According to the official supporting statement, the pitches would have provided permanent residential accommodation for families. In addition, the document argues there is a failure to meet the needs of specific groups of people like Gypsies and Travellers within the National Park.

The document also stated: “In providing a base in a sustainable location, this will enable the families to have a stable family life where their children can have access to an education and the families will have the ability to access the same services as those of the settled community. These matters are a material consideration and should be afforded significant weight.”

But the SDNPA did not agree and its reasons included:

  • Being an unsustainable and inappropriate development of the site
  • Not been satisfactorily demonstrated that safe access for vehicles associated with the proposed use
  • Absence of sufficient ecological survey information
  • The site’s close proximity to a Scheduled Monument comprising the remains of a Roman Villa and a reasonable likelihood of the presence of archaeological heritage assets within the site.
  • Pumping of sewage to the main sewer and possible use of generators would not cause noise nuisance to nearby land users.
  • Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the proposals incorporate a satisfactory means of managing surface and foul water sustainably.
  • The adverse impact on trees to the south of the site from the proposed development, and on the hedgerow along the A272.

Thirteen objections were received regarding the plans. Stroud Parish, East Hampshire Highways, and Hampshire County Council’s Landscape Team also raised objections.