Understand
Plans for traveller site in Saham Toney rejected by Breckland District Council
Overview
Breckland District Council has rejected a planning application to turn a plot of land in Saham Toney, Norfolk, into a permanent site for 12 traveller families. Councillors voted nine to two against the proposal, following council officers' warnings that the development would be harmful to the open countryside, despite acknowledged local shortages of traveller pitches.
Key points
- Breckland District Council rejected a plan to turn a site in Saham Toney into a permanent home for 12 traveller families.
- The application was submitted by Lisa-Jane Jay after council enforcement action was taken in 2025 when 23 caravans were moved onto the plot.
- Council officers recommended refusal, describing the scheme as a harmful and urbanising development in open countryside.
- Councillors voted nine to two against the proposal, despite council documents showing Breckland needs between 66 and 71 more traveller pitches by 2046.
- Parish councils and local representatives raised concerns about the inappropriate location and road safety issues nearby.