A RETROSPECTIVE planning application has been submitted for the creation of a Gypsy pitch after a hardstanding was created.

A planning application for the creation of two traveller pitches with associated hardstanding and dayrooms, along with the retention of existing hardstanding and associated works (part retrospective) has been submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC).

The site is located in Hook, on the corner of Dixon Road and A33 Basingstoke Road. The proposal is for the change of use of land for the stationing of a caravan and a mobile home for residential purposes, for one gypsy pitch, together with the formation of hardstanding and utility/dayroom.

The hardstanding is currently already in place, with the retrospective part of the application addressing this.

READ MORE: Investigation launched by enforcement officers after complaints about gypsy site

BDBC previously granted planning consent for the scheme, subject to noise-related condition, which was amended.

The land was granted planning permission following an appeal by the landowner in 2020 for two caravans; one static and one touring.

An initial change of use application was refused by BDBC on June 15, 2017.

In the original decision to refuse the application, BDBC cited the effect that such a site would have on the ‘character and appearance of the area, with particular regard to trees and the landscape’, as well as the ‘health and safety of future occupants.’

The council said at the time that the development, within a woodland area, “would result in a permanent physical intrusion, which would also prevent the natural regeneration of the woodland and the opportunity for this woodland to positively contribute towards the landscape character in the long term”.

More than 500 trees on the land were illegally felled in 2014 resulting in the land owners being handed a £14,000 fine.

The council also raised concerns that the proposed development would pose “an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of future occupiers of the site from military ordnance attributed to historic land uses”.

Objections to this new application have been raised by neighbours, with concerns over the location of the entrance and exit to the site a key factor.

One neighbour, Stephen Tubb, said: "The proposal appears to not use the exit/entrance to the site through the gate to the A33, but instead a public footpath and MoD access road known as Dixon Road."

Another neighbour, Katharine Allen, said: ":The information provided does not seem to make it clear where exactly on Dixon Road the access to this dwelling would be.

"This dwelling would have an impact on the surrounding properties despite the intended sound protection."

Readers can find the full application by visitingplanning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=SL59P8CRM8100