Seven Traveller Pitches Approved In Westbourne Despite Objections

Plans to create seven gypsy and traveller pitches in Westbourne have been approved by Chichester District Council despite concerns about tree loss and the site’s location on former landfill.

The planning committee backed the proposal on Wednesday (11 March), allowing the change of use of land south of Racton View on Marlpit Lane.

Councillors acknowledged the application had proved controversial locally, but were advised there were no defensible planning reasons to refuse it.

The council is currently 13 pitches short of the number it is required to provide.

The development will sit within a wildlife corridor on land that was previously used as a landfill site.

The land is also currently being used for glamping, which officers say is under investigation because it does not have planning permission.

Two key concerns were raised during the meeting: whether the landfill site is safe for development and the loss of 132 trees needed to make way for the pitches.

The trees, planted in the early 2000s, are covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

Councillor Brett Burkhart questioned the decision to remove them.

He said:

“What is the point of a TPO if we’re going to make a decision which allows 132 trees to be knocked down in order to make space for this site?

"Those trees were planted as mitigation for the landfill site and they serve a purpose.”

A planning officer’s report described the loss of the trees as “regrettable” and acknowledged the development would cause some harm to the landscape.

However, officers concluded the benefit of providing the traveller pitches outweighed the impact.

Westbourne Parish Council had strongly objected to the plans, citing concerns about possible land contamination, the loss of trees and the rural location of the site.

Planning officers said the issue of potential contamination from the former landfill had been addressed during the application process.

Residents wanting to view the plans can search for application 24/00806/FUL on the Chichester District Council planning portal.