Councillors reject traveller site plans despite officers' backing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Buckinghamshire councillors rejected planning permission for two traveller pitches near Chesham despite officers recommending approval.

Buckinghamshire Council's East and South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee rejected an application by Keith O'Donoghue for two traveller pitches, each with a mobile home, touring caravan and dayroom, on land off Hog Lane, Ashley Green. The application was received on 25 March, but work began on 2 April, before the council had decided it. Officers visited the site and found work underway, prompting the council to obtain a High Court injunction, which was handed down on 14 April. A similar proposal had been refused in October 2024 on green belt, landscape and ecological grounds.

Despite officers recommending approval subject to conditions and a legal agreement, the planning committee voted to reject the retrospective application. Ward councillor Justine Fulford said ordinary domestic activities were disturbing neighbours and compromising privacy. She argued that 'the acoustics of a box on stilts on a hard surface means that even conversations inside the caravans can be overheard' and that 'intentional unauthorised development deserves substantial negative weight'. Councillor Frances Kneller added that 'retrospective planning applications are often asking for forgiveness rather than for permission'.

The applicant's agent, Nathaniel Green, highlighted a substantial shortage of traveller accommodation across Buckinghamshire, but this was not enough to sway the committee's decision.

How it is being reported

• Retrospective planning approval for traveller site in Chesham rejected after disturbance claimsAn attempt to secure planning permission for a traveller site near Chesham that was subject to a High Court injunction has been rejected by councillors.Bucks Herald · 15 Oct, 10:34
• Traveller site under High Court injunction denied permission despite officers' adviceCouncillors rejected plans for two traveller pitches in Ashley Green despite officers’ advice, after unauthorised work prompted a High Court injunction.Bucks Free Press · 14 Oct, 16:54

In this story: Keith O'Donoghue · Buckinghamshire Council · Ashley Green · Chesham

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