Template Letters to the Planning Inspectorate

This document contains a number of examples of responses to the Planning Inspectorate with regard to the Public Inquiry relating to the Shurlock Road site scheduled for later in the year. If you wish to make representations to the Inspectorate then feel free to make the task easier by borrowing some of the arguments below.

Please remember to ensure that:

-You reference the appeal number APP/T0355/C/10/2121576

-You send your response in triplicate

-Your response is received before 16th March 2010 deadline

Example 1

Planning InspectorateName:

3/26B Temple Quay House

2 The SquareAddress:

Temple Quay

Bristol

BS1 6PN

Date

To Whom It May Concern

Re – Enforcement Notice Appeal APP/T0355/C/10/2121576

I would like to object to the above Enforcement Notice appeal. The reasons are as follows:

  1. It is contrary to Green Belt policies 1 (no ‘very special circumstances’), 2 (‘openness’) and 3 (outside a recognized settlement). It is in direct contravention of Planning Circular 01/2006 (para 49) where ‘national planning policy applies equally to applications from gypsies and travellers, and the settled population’and ‘new gypsy and traveler sites in the Green Belt are normally inappropriate development’.
  1. The site is within the Environment Agency 2004 Flood Zone 3 which is designated ‘high risk’ and therefore fails the sustainability test (para 64). In July 2008 even one mobile home on an adjacent field was refused planning permission and dismissed on Appeal specifying flood risk following evidence from the EA (ref APP/TO355/A/07/2054724).
  1. A gypsy/traveller site in this open location is detrimental to the residential amenity and living conditions of several adjacent properties (paras 54 & 58). Local facilities are inadequate to support a development of this size e.g. no remaining shops in the Parish, the nearest full medical centre is 3.6 miles away and the school is oversubscribed, and therefore again fails the sustainability tests (paras 64 & 65).
  1. Highway access is not suitable. The site is located on an unclassified road with no footway, subject to a speed limit and close to a blind bend (para 66). The sight lines in particular to the north are inadequate. Furthermore, in dismissing the Appeal for a polo pitch on the land to the East of Shurlock Road in April 1997, the Inspector stated ‘I consider that the degree of activity …and the additional traffic on the approach roads …would contribute to a unacceptable loss to the rural character of the area’ (96/30456. T/APP/D0325/A/96/2756165/P8).

Please acknowledge this letter of objection.

Yours faithfully

Example 2

The Planning Inspectorate

3/26B Temple Quay House

2 The Square

Temple Quay

BRISTOL

BS1 6PN

<Date>

Dear Sir

Planning Reference Number: APP/T0355/C/10/2121576

I have been informed that the residents of a field now known as Five Oaks Farm, Waltham St Lawrence, Reading, Berkshire, have appealed against the above Enforcement Notice which has been issued against them.

I strenuously object to this appeal for the following reasons:

1)The land is located in an important part of the green belt and clearly contravenes ODPM circular 01/06: Planning for Gypsy and Traveller caravan sites. The unauthorised work already carried out on the land is encroaching on beautiful countryside that is outside the official settlement area;

2)The land is on flood plain zone level 3a as decreed by the Environment Agency. The addition of works recently carried out on this land have already created higher flood risks to adjoining areas;

3)The amount of people that this land is supposed to have residing on it is extortionate. There are less people living on the last council estate built in this village;

4)The proposed development will place extra burdens on the village infrastructure, with the local infant school already at full capacity and no amenities or facilities within the immediate vicinity. (Apparently some of the proposed residents will require constant medical attention which is unavailable in this village);

5)The site will increase traffic on an already busy road, near a sharp bend, with NO pavements or street lights, hence creating even more of a risk for pedestrians and drivers (an extra 22+ vehicles are planned for this site);

6)There is already a legal site in the village;

7)There are NO special circumstances for this proposed site in a green belt area;

8)There is no provision for extra sewerage; the drainage system in this village cannot cope currently;

9)The adjacent land has received several planning applications for caravans over the years and since 1963, they have always been refused;

10)If this appeal were to be allowed, it would set a precedent for other green belt areas.

The initial application is for a Traveller/Gypsy site however their letters clearly state a wish to settle in this field. This will make them residents and as such the planning application should be treated under the same laws and restrictions as any other attempt for residential use of green belt land. Should planning be given for a traveller site the definition of traveller must be clearly defined. How long can someone stay in a traveller site before they become residents?

The longer this appeal lasts, the more damage to the countryside is done. As instructed, I enclose three copies of this objection letter and would request that you acknowledge receipt of same.

Yours faithfully

Example 3

The Planning Inspectorate

3/26B Temple Quay House

2 The Square

Temple Quay

BRISTOL

BS1 6PN

<Date>

To Whom It May Concern

Re – Enforcement Notice Appeal APP/T0355/C/10/2121576

We would like to object to the above Enforcement Notice appeal. Our reasons are as follows:

1)The land is located in an important part of the green belt and clearly contravenes ODPM circular 01/06: Planning for Gypsy and Traveller caravan sites. The unauthorised work already carried out on the land is encroaching on beautiful countryside that our village has spent years protecting.

2)The proposed site is on flood plain zone level 3a and will increase the risk of flooding to other residents. The tarmac road built on the site has already impeded the flow of flood water creating even further risk to residents.

3)The site will increase traffic on an already busy road near a sharp bend with no pavements or street lights. This will create even more risk for pedestrians and drivers.

4) The development will place an extra burden on the local village’s infrastructure with the local school already at full capacity, and there are no amenities or facilities within the immediate vicinity.

Please acknowledge this letter of objection.

Yours faithfully