Bedford Borough Council’s decision to refuse a planning application for a Gypsy and Traveller site, containing 11 mobile homes and 4 touring caravans, has been upheld.
The application, for land to the east side of Pavenham Road in Felmersham was refused by the Council on 25th November 2025.
This decision was then appealed, but after a six-day inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate including a site visit on 5 May, the Council’s decision has been upheld.
Inspector Mark Brooker wrote that planning permission was only sought at or after occupation of the site - despite the land having been bought many months earlier.
He wrote; “It is readily apparent from their own evidence at the Inquiry that the appellants intentionally undertook the development, over a weekend when the council offices would be closed thus hampering any response, knowing that the development was unauthorised and would possibly not be approved by the local planning authority and that it would take some time to remove those now living on the site if their proposals were unsuccessful.
“Moreover, the appellants own evidence at the Inquiry highlighted the premediated nature of the work, arranging plant and material deliveries to the site.”
Mr Brooker added: “The development was undertaken in advance of obtaining planning permission denying the possibility to appropriately limit or mitigate the harm, in particular harm to ecology and protected species.
“This harm has now taken place and while some harm may be undone with the restoration of the site or implementation of ongoing mitigation measures, this original harm, particularly the likely harm to protected species cannot be undone.”
Mr Brooker also noted that the applicants “have no particular link or even familiarity with the appeal site or the local area,” while also nothing concerns about transport links, foul drainage, and the lack of a mains electricity connection.
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity, Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services said; “We are pleased that the Planning Inspectorate upheld the Council’s decision.
“We will always advocate applicants following the correct planning process.”