Three new gypsy and traveller pitches have been granted planning permission on the edge of Tiverton, despite objections from residents who fear the impact on property sales and mortgage lending.
Mid Devon District Council has approved an application to use land at Last Meadow, Uplowman Road North, for the siting of three pitches. The decision was made under delegated powers and is subject to a series of conditions.
According to the officer’s report, the “proposal is acceptable in principle being located within the settlement boundary of Tiverton” and the scheme “is capable of providing an acceptable standard of accommodation for a group with protected characteristics, subject to conditions.”.
The report concludes that the development “will not cause harm to the character or appearance of the area” and that there would be “no harm to highway safety or biodiversity.”
The application, submitted on behalf of the Trustees of the Chettiscombe Estate, seeks full planning permission for “the layout of three Gypsy and Traveller pitches” at the site.
Each pitch will accommodate “a static caravan, a touring caravan, a day room comprising of a utility and bathroom, along with a parking and turning area and grassed amenity space” . The site will use the existing access from Uplowman Road and include a landscaped strip to deliver biodiversity net gain.
Planning documents state that the land lies within Tiverton’s settlement boundary and forms part of land allocated under the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension policies. The planning statement also notes that there are “no Local Authority pitches currently in Mid Devon.”
A number of residents lodged objections. Mrs Rosemary Joy told the council that viewers interested in buying her home had turned away after discovering the application, asking the authority to “please help and don’t sanction the same.”
Mr Jefrin Poulouse said he and his wife were trying to sell their property and claimed that prospective buyers were deterred when they researched the proposal, urging the council to “please help thank you.”
Mrs Karen Bayley objected on the grounds that the development “could have a massive impact on anyone wanting to sell their home or anyone needing to re-mortgage,” while Miss Justyna Gorska wrote simply: “I object to the gypsy site in my neighbourhood.”
In granting permission, the council imposed a range of conditions. These include a restriction that “no more than one touring caravan and one static caravan shall be stationed on each of the three pitches at any time” and that occupation “will be by those person(s) who meet the Government’s published definition of Gypsy or Traveller.”
Before development begins, a Construction and Environmental Management Plan must be approved, setting out matters such as working hours and measures to protect biodiversity . Prior to first occupation, a 2m high acoustic fence must be erected along the northern boundary , drainage arrangements installed , and dormouse and bird nest boxes provided.
