An independent planning inspector has today (Tuesday 26 September) dismissed 17 appeals relating to land near Beckingham.
The appeals each sought permission to retain a plot for travellers' use, comprising pitches both for a static and a touring caravan, an amenity block and associated parking and hardstanding on land to the north of the A17 near to the village of Beckingham.
The Inspector has ruled that the proposals when taken both individually and collectively were: poorly designed and would cause harm to the local landscape; that there would be harm to biodiversity and natural features; would be subject to noise and have not demonstrated that an acceptable standard of amenity could be achieved; and were contrary to the local plan.
The personal circumstances of a number of the occupants of the site were considered and given due weight, however the Inspector concluded that these did not outweigh her judgement in terms of the public interest that this was an inappropriate location, the harm to public safety and harm to the environment.
The Council had previously refused the planning application for the site, a decision which was challenged and appealed.
North Kesteven District Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright said: “We are pleased that our position has been supported by the independent Inspector in dismissing these appeals.
“As a Council we recognise our role and statutory duty to make provision for travellers; however, this must be done in a manner that conforms with national and local policy. In this case, the proposals did not meet those strict requirements and were resisted on sound and robust planning grounds.
“Our decision has been thoroughly examined through the public inquiry and we welcome the support of the Inspector in dismissing these appeals.”
Following this dismissal of the appeals, the Council will be recommencing its enforcement action in respect of the land.