Gypsy Family Wins Caravan Battle Against National Park Authority in New Forest
A long-standing Gypsy family in the New Forest triumphs over the National Park Authority’s enforcement order regarding their caravan.
Dibden, New Forest, Gypsy, Caravan, National Park Authority, Planning
Dibden: A Gypsy family with deep roots in the New Forest has just scored a big win. They fought against an order from the National Park Authority to remove their caravan from a piece of farmland near Dibden Golf Course.
Anthony Chick, the family member in question, was accused of breaking planning rules by setting up a mobile home and making some changes to the land. The NPA claimed he was using the land differently and ordered him to remove the caravan and the hard surface he had put down.
They even said that his setup was causing trouble, like noise and other issues. But when a planning inspector looked into it, they found that the NPA didn’t have solid proof of those claims. They just had some social media posts about a boat and a quad bike for sale, but nothing more.
Anthony shared that his family has been part of the New Forest for generations, traveling and working there. They have rights that let them graze their horses in the area, which is pretty cool.
He mentioned that his kids were living with relatives while this whole planning mess was going on. If the NPA had their way, his family would have been left without a home.
Luckily, the inspector ruled in Anthony’s favor. They recognized his Gypsy status, which meant some of the NPA’s rules didn’t apply to him. The inspector pointed out that the local plan acknowledges the long history of Gypsies and travelers in the New Forest.
They also said that the caravan wasn’t a big deal in terms of development, so it didn’t need to change the natural landscape. There’s been a recognized need for more pitches for Gypsies and travelers in the area, but the NPA claimed they had already found a spot elsewhere.
However, the inspector noted that the NPA’s information was outdated. They also argued that the disputed site was private property and an extension of an existing pitch, making it a suitable option for the family.
In the end, the inspector concluded that the development wouldn’t harm the area’s character and that the family’s situation was important. They granted permission for the family to stay, with some conditions, like limiting the site to just Anthony’s family.