A government planning inspector has upheld an enforcement notice issued by Blackburn with Darwen Council against landowner John Young regarding a contentious encampment at Hall Moss Farm, located in proximity to Whitehall Park. While the inspector acknowledged the council’s concerns and reinforced their position, the original deadline for restoring the land to its previous condition has been extended from nine months to eleven. This extension is significant as it provides a longer timeframe for addressing the situation surrounding the encampment, which has garnered substantial local attention and concern.
The enforcement notice stems from protests raised by local residents regarding the encampment, prompting the council to issue a ‘stop’ notice in July after hardcore was laid to accommodate 18 caravans, six of which are intended for permanent residence. To mitigate what residents and officials deemed an unlawful encampment, the council mandated the cessation of all engineering operations taking place on the land. The enforcement notice specifically aimed to halt the illegal residential use of the site, requiring that all caravans be removed and that the land be restored to its original state within a reasonable timeframe. Initially, the council set this restoration period at nine months, starting from July 2024.
However, following John’s appeal against this enforcement notice, the planning inspector ultimately upheld the council’s decision but acknowledged the complexity of the situation by extending the compliance deadline. The inspector decided that the original nine-month timeline should be adjusted, pushing it to eleven months, with the new effective timeframe beginning in April of the current year. This adjustment aims to allow sufficient time for the consideration of a retrospective planning application that was registered in January.
The planning application in question seeks permission for a change of use for the land, shifting its designation from agricultural to a Gypsy caravan site comprised of six plots. Each plot is proposed to house a static caravan and two mobile caravans, supplemented with a utility block, porous stone hard standing, and appropriate fencing. The broader context surrounding this application has stirred considerable debate within the community, with local residents voicing strong opinions concerning the encampment’s impact on the surrounding area.
Local officials have expressed their relief at the inspector’s decision to uphold the enforcement notice, although the time extension has raised concerns among some community members. West Pennine ward Conservative Councillor Julie Slater commented on the situation, conveying her satisfaction with the enforcement notice’s validation, though she noted reservations about the timeline extension. “I am pleased the enforcement notice has been upheld, even if I am not in favor of the time extension,” she stated. “Residents do not want them up there in light of the damage to the park and surrounding area. I hope the council can find them somewhere else.”
Councillor Anthony Shaw, representing the Darwen South Labour party, echoed Slater’s sentiment while articulating frustration with the prolonged nature of the issue. “I’m happy that the government inspector has agreed with the council’s enforcement action, and I hope that we are finally coming to a resolution. I understand this has been a frustrating situation and has been going on for far too long,” he remarked. Shaw emphasized that he believes the site is “totally unsuitable” for the proposed caravan site, pointing out access problems and other logistical challenges that have surfaced throughout the proceedings. He committed to closely monitoring the ongoing planning process and pledged to voice the concerns of residents as necessary.
The inspector’s ruling outlined a comprehensive evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the enforcement notice. The inspector noted that at the time the notice was issued, there were already three traveller pitches established on the land. However, it became evident that the intention was to create additional spaces, as indicated by the recent planning application aimed at expanding the site to accommodate six traveller pitches. The consultation period for this application is scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2025, meaning a decision cannot be reached until at least the following month.
Considering the timeline associated with the planning application, the inspector reasoned that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to suggest that it would be impossible to locate an alternative site within the original nine-month timeframe. They noted that the necessary planning permission could be obtained along with the requisite infrastructure to facilitate a suitable living environment for the family. This consideration prompted the conclusion that a responsible approach would allow for proper planning in the event that the enforcement notice was upheld, without forcing the family to adapt to a transient lifestyle while the situation was being resolved.
The inspector asserted that it was not fair or reasonable to expect John Young, as the appellant, to begin searching for alternative accommodation before knowing the outcome of the pending planning application. In light of these observations, the inspector decided to initiate the compliance deadline from April 2025, effectively extending the original nine-month deadline to eleven months to account for the planning application process.
Once the application is considered, should it face refusal, Mr. Young would still retain the right to appeal the decision. This aspect adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as it highlights the ongoing nature of the planning and enforcement proceedings that will unfold in the coming months.
The broader implications of this ruling resonate throughout the community, prompting discussions about land use, community integration, and how best to address the needs of diverse populations, including the travelling community. Local officials are navigating a delicate balance between enforcing planning regulations and considering the needs and rights of residents living in a caravan site. As the timeline progresses, community members and officials alike will continue to scrutinize the developments, ensuring that their voices are heard and that any resolution prioritizes the best interests of the locality.
The debate surrounding Hall Moss Farm encapsulates wider conversations about how different communities coexist within limited spaces, especially in areas that are historically designated for agricultural use. Proponents of caravan sites often highlight the importance of providing adequate accommodation for the travelling community, recognizing that access to stable living situations is paramount for education, employment, and social cohesion. Conversely, residents have expressed concerns about the potential impacts on property values, local resources, and community safety.
As planning decisions unfold in the coming months, the inspector’s ruling not only reflects a specific legal determination but also serves as a critical touchpoint for ongoing discussions about land use and community identity. The community members, both supporters and critics of the caravan site proposal, are encouraged to engage in these dialogues productively, seeking resolutions that may accommodate diverse needs while fostering a harmonious living environment for all involved.
Overall, the situation at Hall Moss Farm remains a pivotal chapter in Blackburn with Darwen’s ongoing efforts to reconcile the needs of its varied populace. With the forthcoming months likely to bring further developments in planning permissions, community feedback, and potential appeals, the focus will remain on seeking sustainable solutions that respect both the rights of landowners and the needs of residents. The outcome may well set a precedent for future land use discussions in the area, making it even more crucial for the voices of local stakeholders to play an active role in shaping the community’s future.