Travellers residing at the Greenacres site on Oxen Lane, North Curry in Somerset, may be forced to leave following the dismissal of a recent appeal. The site has long been embroiled in legal disputes, including a High Court injunction issued in 2009.
In October 2024, Somerset Council intervened after “unauthorised work” commenced on the site, securing a temporary injunction in July 2025 to halt any new occupants moving in. The council then pursued a permanent eviction order for current residents through the High Court.
Peter Richards, named in the injunction, submitted an application in May 2025 for retrospective planning permission to establish 16 pitches for touring caravans and static homes, alongside infrastructure improvements such as a sewage treatment package and upgraded access. This application was refused by the council in November, leading Mr Richards to appeal the decision.
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A public inquiry, conducted by Planning Inspector Hollie Nicholls in early May, has now upheld the council’s refusal. Ms Nicholls visited the site on May 6 and published her decision on June 1. While Mr Richards offered to reduce the number of pitches, she noted that the caravans observed did not align with the original layout plans.
Significant concerns arose over environmental impact. Ms Nicholls rejected claims that phosphate mitigation was unnecessary, emphasizing that the proposal posed risks to the integrity of the protected Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site. She stated, “The proposal would harm the integrity of the Somerset Levels and Moors,” citing insufficient evidence to demonstrate adequate nutrient management.
Additionally, the scheme was found likely to harm native wildlife populations, including crest newts and dormice. Ms Nicholls criticized the lack of clarity about the development’s scope and impact, concluding that it would negatively affect the site’s ecological value.
From a safety perspective, although vehicle movements were not deemed hazardous due to good visibility at the access point, the absence of pavements along Oxen Lane raised concerns for pedestrian safety, especially given the national speed limit. Ms Nicholls noted the road network was ill-equipped to support safe pedestrian access to local amenities.
Further objections included the absence of day rooms or amenity buildings in the proposal, which could lead to disturbances for neighbours. The elevated position of the site above Oxen Lane would make access modifications highly visible, affecting the outlook and peace for existing residents.
The council’s own assessment from February highlighted a significant unmet need for 261 additional traveller pitches across Somerset by 2045. Currently, only three of the 16 pitches at Greenacres are occupied, limited by the injunction and inadequate water supply.
Ultimately, Ms Nicholls concluded that while permanent residency would offer benefits such as stable access to local services, these advantages were overshadowed by the substantial negative impacts of the development. Consequently, Mr Richards was also ordered to cover part of the council’s legal costs due to what was deemed “unreasonable behaviour,” including excessive and repetitive evidence submissions.
Somerset Council has been contacted regarding the status of a new injunction related to the site.