Mobile homes bid at Stallions Lodge refused - Hampshire

OWNERS of land in Headley Down have been told they cannot use land for Gypsy caravans, after objections from residents and local councils.

East Hampshire District Council refused proposals to use land at Fairlands, Grayshott Road, as pitches for two caravans, or mobile homes, and build a utility dayroom for use by their owners.

The refusal by council planning committee members followed 18 letters of objection from local residents and Headley and Grayshott parish councils.

Headley Parish Council said: “We object to the change of use from agricultural land to the siting of caravans for residential use. No justification has been put forward to support Gypsy status or the need for two pitches on this site.”

Grayshott council said land next to the proposed site at Stallions of Substance Lodge was already used by travelling Showpeople, so further development should not go ahead.

The objectors also claimed if two pitches were allowed on the quarter hectare site it would open the door for more in the area, which in turn could become a permanent camp.

Members heard that in the local policy the land was designated as agricultural, and should not be re-labelled as residential, and that permission for a mobile home already on the site had been refused in 2010.

However, it was suggested a Hampshire County Council survey being used as a reference document on the need for Gypsy pitches in East Hampshire may have underestimated the demand.

A county council Gypsy liaison officer said: “There is a need, and such a residential development (at Headley) would contribute to satisfying that need in East Hampshire.”

But members were told that since 2006, eight new gypsy sites had been agreed in East Hampshire, and another location with Gypsies already living on it was the subject of a planning application.

Council planning officer Lesley Wells said: “This would suggest that if there is an unmet need for such accommodation, it has, in the main been satisfied.”

Members at their meeting on Thursday, March 1, agreed to refuse the proposal by Mrs Murray for two Gypsy pitches, with a utility dayroom and retention of an existing mobile home on the site.