Residents and conservationists object to retrospective bid for Traveller site in Chilterns AONB

A retrospective planning application to formalise a Traveller site on about an acre of land in the Chilterns has prompted objections from local residents and conservation campaigners who say the development harms a protected landscape and local biodiversity.

The application, lodged with South Oxfordshire District Council and subject to a consultation period open until Sept. 19, asks to retain a static caravan and a touring caravan on a field near Digberry Farm in the parish of Swyncombe, together with associated infrastructure including a septic tank, hardstanding, fences, a nearly 150‑kilogram metal storage box and an e‑bike charging point. The submission says space would be provided for parking and for horses to graze, and its agent describes the scheme as "green‑friendly," arguing a permanent base would reduce travel and private car use.

Residents and local officials say the site sits within the Chilterns National Landscape and close to ancient woodland that is subject to a tree preservation order, and they warn the change of use will damage an ecologically sensitive area. Objections submitted to the council cite generator noise and lighting as disruptive to neighbours and to nocturnal wildlife, and an ecological appraisal included with the planning documents notes that removal of hedgerow could affect breeding birds.

Swyncombe Parish Council chairman Liz Longley said the parish and its residents were "deeply concerned" and criticised the practice of "lotting," in which larger parcels of woodland are subdivided and sold. "The owners have done precisely what they have wanted to do with the site, breaching planning rules at every turn," she said in comments reported by local media, urging legislation to address the issue.

The parcel forms part of Springalls Plantation, a 23‑acre area of ancient woodland that was subdivided and sold after its previous owner died in 2019. Campaign group Save Springalls has been active in opposing development on the land. Objectors note that Swyncombe had a population of around 250 at the 2021 census and that residents live across the hamlets of Cookley Green, Russell's Water and Park Corner.

One nearby resident who lodged a formal objection said in her submission that "the generator noise is blighting the community, particularly at night," and that disturbance from lighting and loud generator noise would have ecological impacts on species such as bats. Mark Alliston, a 60‑year‑old biodiversity worker who has lived in Swyncombe for most of his life, also lodged an objection and said he was alarmed by the way the works were carried out before a planning decision. "Proper procedure should be observed before development occurs and this has not happened," he said. He added that the site stands at the head of a valley leading to two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), one of which is a nationally important nature reserve.

Alliston, who said he has Traveller and Romany ancestry, disputed the application agent's framing of the development as in keeping with Traveller traditions of living in harmony with nature. He said the ground had been disturbed overnight, harming soil biodiversity, and that cutting hedgerow and trees contravened previous council findings about the value of the treescape.

A planning application to change the land to equestrian use, submitted in March last year, was refused in May of that year and a subsequent appeal was dismissed. The earlier refusal said the proposed works would "fundamentally and harmfully change the existing open and rural character of the site" and would "fail to conserve or enhance the landscape," citing the value of the existing treescape and native hedging. Objectors say the site has since been redeveloped and that the current application is retrospective.

Documents accompanying the latest application include a Tree Constraints Plan that records the removal of four trees, which the applicant describes as "low quality and value" and says could be compensated by proposed native tree planting. An Ecological Appraisal supplied with the submission highlights potential impacts on breeding birds if hedgerow is removed.

The agent for the landowner has defended the scheme on sustainability grounds and on public‑interest grounds, saying a permanent Traveller site would reduce the "friction" that can arise when illegal encampments occur and could reduce costs associated with legal action to move unauthorised occupiers. The agent argued that by providing a base from which a family can travel, overall travel and private car journeys could be reduced.

Objectors have also cited planning policy. In formal comments, at least one local resident referenced the Oxfordshire Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework, arguing the proposals conflict with provisions for protecting Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, biodiversity, heritage and highway safety.

South Oxfordshire District Council said it could not comment while the planning application is under consideration. The case highlights the tensions that can arise when demands for stopping‑place provision for Traveller communities intersect with the protections afforded to ancient woodland and designated landscapes. The consultation remains open to representations until Sept. 19, after which the council will decide whether to grant planning permission, refuse it or request further information.

Legal rights and duties around site provision for Gypsy and Traveller communities and the statutory protections for AONBs and ancient woodland mean that the outcome could involve further appeals or enforcement action, depending on the council's decision and any subsequent compliance or challenge by the parties involved.