South Gloucestershire councillors have approved a contentious proposal to develop Gypsy and Traveller pitches on greenbelt land prone to flooding, north of Bristol. Despite significant opposition from local residents, the Environment Agency, and the local parish council, the plans were passed by a 7-2 vote. The development will include two caravan pitches, two touring caravans, and semi-detached dayrooms on Marsh Common Road, Pilning.
The approval has sparked debate about the suitability of the site, which critics argue is not only at high risk of flooding but also already burdened with a disproportionate number of Gypsy and Traveller sites. Concerns have been raised about the safety of the location, the environmental impact, and the fairness of concentrating such developments in a single area.
Local Concerns and Objections
The decision to approve the development has not been well-received by many local stakeholders. The parish council, along with 19 residents and the Environment Agency, objected to the plans, citing various issues including the flood risk, potential safety hazards, and noise. Additionally, there is a strong sentiment that the area is already overburdened with Gypsy and Traveller sites, while other areas in South Gloucestershire have none.
A representative of the parish council highlighted the greenbelt status of the land, arguing that any development in such areas inherently undermines the purpose of the greenbelt. The representative stressed that the neighbourhood plan had already identified more appropriate locations for such developments, and this proposal was seen as an unwelcome, unplanned extension of the village.
There was also concern about the unequal distribution of Gypsy and Traveller sites across the region. It was noted that expecting one community to bear the responsibility for hosting a significant number of such sites, while other areas contribute little or nothing, was unfair. The representative condemned the council’s long-standing failure to address the shortfall of Gypsy and Traveller sites, describing the situation as a dereliction of duty.
Concerns about flooding were also central to the opposition. A local councillor pointed out that the ward is highly susceptible to flooding and that there has been little to no residential development in recent years precisely because of these risks. The councillor warned that developing on this site could potentially displace water to nearby homes, exacerbating existing flooding issues in the area.
Justifications for Approval
Despite these objections, the council’s development management committee ultimately approved the plans, citing exceptional circumstances. The committee considered the benefits of providing much-needed Traveller pitches as outweighing the potential flood risks. According to the council’s planning officers, the chronic shortage of Gypsy and Traveller pitches in South Gloucestershire—currently at 124 pitches—was a critical factor in the decision.
Planning officials argued that the approval of these pitches would provide stable housing for families currently living on the roadside, thereby offering them greater security and access to essential services. The council’s drainage experts had also assessed the flood risks and deemed the site safe for residential use throughout its expected lifespan, with assurances that it would not increase flood risks in other areas.
The council’s decision-making process was influenced by the duty to prioritise the best interests of the children involved. The planning report emphasised that providing a stable home, education, and healthcare access for these children was paramount, and no other considerations were deemed more important.
A Divisive Decision
Even among those who supported the development, there were reservations. Several councillors acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that applications for Gypsy and Traveller sites frequently involve greenbelt land, which poses significant challenges. They recognised the need for these families to have a settled home, particularly to ensure that their children receive an education and access to healthcare.
However, there were also concerns about potential future issues. One councillor expressed unease about the possibility of further unauthorised developments on the site, should the approval lead to more caravans being placed there without permission. The councillor stressed that the council needed to be vigilant in enforcing the conditions of the planning approval to prevent such scenarios.
The Environment Agency’s objection added to the complexity of the decision. The Agency opposed the development because part of the site lies in a high-risk flood zone, and the remainder is in a medium-risk area. Nonetheless, the council judged that the immediate need for Traveller pitches, in this case, outweighed the environmental risks.
Ongoing Controversy
The approval of these Gypsy and Traveller pitches on flood-prone greenbelt land is likely to remain a point of contention in South Gloucestershire. While the decision addresses the urgent need for more Traveller sites, it also raises significant concerns about the safety and sustainability of developing in areas at high risk of flooding.
As South Gloucestershire continues to deal with the shortfall of Gypsy and Traveller sites, this decision could set a precedent for future developments in similarly sensitive areas. The balance between addressing the needs of the Traveller community and responding to the concerns of local residents, as well as the environmental challenges, remains a delicate issue.
The council’s decision highlights the ongoing difficulties local authorities face in meeting the needs of all their residents. Whether this decision will prove beneficial to the community or lead to further complications is yet to be seen. The issue of Gypsy and Traveller site provision in South Gloucestershire is far from resolved, and it is likely that future developments will continue to fuel debate and controversy.
