Retrospective planning bid for Traveller site in Chilterns draws environmental objections

A retrospective planning application to convert an acre of land in the Chilterns into a permanent Traveller site has prompted strong objections from local residents and conservation campaigners who say the development threatens ancient woodland, hedgerows and protected habitats.

The application, submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council and open for consultation until Sept. 19, seeks permission for a static caravan and a touring caravan, parking space, grazing for horses and associated infrastructure including a septic tank, hardstanding, fences, a near‑150kg metal storage box and an e‑bike charging point. The agent acting for the landowner described the proposal in planning documents as "green‑friendly," arguing that providing a permanent base would reduce overall private car travel by enabling the occupants to travel from a single location.

Locals and environmental professionals say the development was carried out before permission was granted and that the retrospective application presents a "fait accompli." The parcel sits within the Swyncombe parish, part of the Chilterns National Landscape and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on land that was formerly part of Springalls Plantation, a 23‑acre tract of ancient woodland sold in 2019.

Objectors cite potential impacts on biodiversity and on nearby designated sites. An ecological appraisal included with the application acknowledges that removal of hedgerow could affect breeding bird habitats and a tree constraints plan attached to the submission records the proposed removal of four trees. Opponents point out the site lies at the head of a valley that drains toward two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, one of which is a nationally important nature reserve.

"Proper procedure should be observed before development occurs and this has not happened," said Mark Alliston, 60, a local biodiversity worker and near‑lifelong Swyncombe resident, who lodged a formal objection. He said the work was carried out "overnight" and has left neighbours feeling intimidated. "The area is an environmentally sensitive area," he added.

Another nearby resident, in a written objection to the council, complained of generator noise from the site, saying it blights the community particularly at night and that lighting and loud generator noise will have ecological impacts on nocturnal species such as bats. Campaign group Save Springalls has campaigned to protect the wooded area, which is subject to a tree preservation order and is highly valued by the small parish of roughly 250 people.

A previous planning application for a different redevelopment of the same plot was refused by the council last year and a related appeal was dismissed. That earlier application had proposed changing the use of the land from agricultural to equestrian, including a stable block and new access, and was rejected on the grounds that it would "fundamentally and harmfully change the existing open and rural character of the site" and fail to conserve or enhance the landscape. The council's decision notably referenced the value of the existing treescape and native hedging surrounding the site.

Despite that refusal, objectors say the current applicant has redeveloped the plot into a Traveller site and filed a retrospective application. In planning documents the landowner's agent argued that a permanent, lawful site would limit the frequent arrival of unauthorised encampments and reduce the need for legal action to move people on, which they framed as a public interest benefit.

The application package notes some trees proposed for removal are classed as "low quality and value" and could be compensated with native tree planting within the development area. The submission also highlights the inclusion of an e‑bike charging point as part of the sustainability case.

Local elected representatives have also criticised the way the development was carried out. Liz Longley, chair of Swyncombe Parish Council, said the parish and its residents were "deeply concerned" and described the practice of subdividing woodland parcels, often called "lotting," as a growing problem for rural communities.

In written objections residents cite the Oxfordshire Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework, saying the application is contrary to policies that protect Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, biodiversity, historic environment and highway safety.

South Oxfordshire District Council said it could not comment while the planning application is under consideration.

The application and objections now sit with planning officers, who must weigh the retrospective nature of the work, the potential environmental impacts on ancient woodland, hedgerows and nearby protected sites, and the social arguments posed by both the landowner's agent and local campaigners. The consultation remains open until Sept. 19, after which the council will consider whether the proposal complies with planning policy and environmental protections applicable to the Chilterns National Landscape.