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A. MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING OF 25 SEPTEMBER 2014

“...The Committee...considered at length whether there were 'very special circumstances' to
justify the proposal at this location in the Green Belt, but considered those referred to were
not sufficient...

RESOLVED: That in respect of Application No. 13/0205/FUL for the use of the land for
residential purposes for the formation of a single gypsy pitch comprising one static
caravan/mobile home, one touring caravan, and an ancillary utility/dayroom at the site
known as Little Acre Farm, Bunkers Hill, Sidcup, the Council would have been minded to
refuse planning permission for the following reason:

The proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the green belt and would also harm
the quality and character of heritage land. This would be contrary to the National Planning
Policy Framework, the Government's 'Planning policy for traveller sites', and Core Strategy
Policies CS01, CS11 and CS17. No very special circumstances have been shown to exist
sufficient to justify approval.”

B. NCRA's LETTER TO THE PLANNING INSPECTORATE 14 OCTOBER 2014

APPEAL REF: APP/D5120/A/14/2224002 Little Acre Stud Farm, Bunkers Hill

You should have a copy of our letter dated 13 January 2014 addressed to the Head of
Development Control, Bexley, in which we registered our strong objection to the application
to establish a Private Gypsy Site at Little Acre; together with copies of the spoken appeals
to Bexley's Planning Committee on 25 September made by me and a committee colleague
(Michael Heath).

I would also like the Inspector to please take particular account of the following:-

1. In our view, this application by Mr Button should be considered in conjunction with the
separate application from a Ms Bothwell dating from March 2014 in respect of the
adjoining site, Little Haven Stud Farm. This also seeks to establish a Private Gypsy Site. A
decision by Bexley is awaited, but whatever the Inspector decides for Little Acre is sure to
be applied to Little Haven.

Note: Until 2004 Little Acre and Little Haven formed one site (in that year, the part now
known as Little Haven was purchased by Ms Bothwell).

2. In 2004, (before part of Little Acre was sold to Ms Bothwell) it was subject to an
Enforcement Order against the then owner, Mr Button, regarding the unauthorised
stationing there of a mobile home etc. The Appeal was decided at an Inquiry in 2005 –
Appeal ref: APP/D5120/C/04/1147311. Mr Button's wish to pursue a gypsy life style was
fully considered, but the Inspector's ruling was that there were no very exceptional
circumstances that outweighed Bexley's argument that the development was inappropriate
and harmful to the Green Belt.