Barnet (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Barnet Council is contesting approval for a Traveller’s caravan site on protected Green Belt land in Chipping Barnet, citing planning and land-use concerns.
In July, a planning inspector approved two Traveller trailer pitches for two families in a two-acre pasture near to Mays Lane. The council challenged this decision in a High Court application.
In December 2023, the Barnet council rejected the plan on the grounds that it was a “inappropriate development.” However, Patrick Casey, the applicant, challenged the decision, and the government’s Planning Inspectorate made the final decision.
The planning inspector who heard the case, Graham Chamberlain, stated that any possible impact to the Green Belt was offset by the “special circumstances” of the two families.
However, the High Court will now determine whether or not to consider a judicial review of the ruling.
It’s understood that damage to the Green Belt is the issue the council argues has not been fully considered.
A council spokesperson said:
“We are unable to comment on this matter at this time, as it is the subject of ongoing litigation.”
Gina Theodorou, chair of the Quinta Village Green Residents Association, which has raised concerns around the plan, welcomed the bid by the council for a judicial review and said:
“We think that the harm to the Green Belt and open space should have outweighed the personal circumstances, and we’re a bit puzzled how the inspector came to his decision.”
She added:
“We are also worried about the flooding [risk] in the area, the highways issues of the caravans coming and going during religious festivals.
The site neighbours religious buildings, it’s not a massive thing, but there could be hundreds of visitors during events and the combination [proximity] was what we were worried about.”
The association has ‘rule six’ status, meaning they will be considered a ‘main party’ if the review goes ahead.
What are the legal grounds Barnet Council cites in the challenge?
The council argues that the planning inspector did not properly weigh or justify the “very special circumstances” necessary to override Green Belt protections according to national planning policy. They contend that the harm to the openness and character of the Green Belt far outweighs any claimed need for the site.
The decision allegedly conflicts with both national and local planning policies, including the Barnet Local Plan, which restrict development on the Metropolitan Green Belt to preserve open space, biodiversity, and recreational value.
The council claims the decision did not sufficiently explore alternative sites outside the Green Belt, which might have met Traveller accommodation needs without harming protected land.