Traveller families' plans for caravan site denied

Twelve families wanted to use the site to park their caravans permanently

Twelve traveller families, who came together to buy a field to turn into a permanent site, have had their plans denied.

In 2024, Wiltshire Council turned down an application to develop the 1.25 hectare at Lydiard Green near Lydiard Millicent.

The families appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against Wiltshire Council's refusal, but they upheld the council's decision.

Planning Inspector Matthew Jones said: "I have carefully considered the Human Rights issues that are pertinent. I consider that dismissing the appeal is both proportionate and necessary in this case."

The Romani Gypsies wanted permission for each of the twelve families to have one static caravan as a principal residence, plus a touring caravan for the purposes of travelling.

The planning application was rejected after 500 letters of objection were received.

The parish councils of Lydiard Millicent and Purton both objected due to the unsuitability of the site.

Wiltshire Council also rejected the application on road safety, biodiversity, and landscape grounds.

Mr Jones added: "Given the intense scale and density of the proposal, and the likely extent of parked vehicles and domestic paraphernalia around the pitches, the openness of the pasture and its grass land cover would be highly compromised.

"The proposal would have an unacceptable effect on the character and appearance of the area."