An appeal has been lodged with the Government to overturn decisions to refuse planning permission for a caravan site in Cheshire.
In May last year, work was carried out without planning permission to transform a six-acre green belt field off Farmers Lane in Burtonwood into a static caravan park. Within three days, a 10ft-high wooden fence was erected along the boundary, and half of the field was covered in hardcore and gravel.
Investigations were launched after concerns were raised about earthworks on land described as being of ‘very good agricultural quality’.
A retrospective application was submitted in July seeking full planning permission for a change of use of land associated with Tan House Farm for a four-pitch gypsy and traveller residential site. This led to over a hundred objections from residents, with some describing the plans as ‘green belt vandalism’.
Other objections cited a ‘total disregard for the planning process’ and the development being inappropriate for the green belt.
Warrington Borough Council refused the bid in January, citing concerns over ‘safe and suitable access’ to the site and an ‘unacceptable impact on highway safety’.
A fresh planning application for the land was submitted in February by applicant John Varey, including landscaping changes. However, this was again refused planning permission in April due to concerns over safe access and drainage issues.
Now, three appeals have been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate against the decisions made by Warrington Borough Council.
Appellant John Varey is appealing to the Government against the council’s two refusal decisions, as well as an enforcement notice issued in June. This notice states that the appellant changed the use of the land from an agricultural field to a traveller caravan site without planning permission.
The enforcement notice requires the appellant to restore the land to its prior condition by ceasing the new use of the land and removing all caravans, fencing, gates, lighting, and hardstanding.
On each of the three linked cases listed on the Planning Inspectorate website, the appeals are currently ‘in progress’ and ‘not yet decided’.
