RESIDENTS worry a plan to allow a 'static mobile home' would lead to a road becoming a ‘de facto traveller site’ and damage the Green Belt.

A family wants permission to use a static mobile home, touring caravan and amenity block in Kiln Lane, Garsington as their home.

But locals have said ‘disturbing’ noise and vibrations over last year caused by two other plots in the lane, off Oxford Road, have disrupted them and that they do not want any extension of that.

Others said that before South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) granted permission for other travellers to live there, Kiln Lane was a ‘quiet bridle way enjoyed by horse riders, hikers, dog walkers and families alike’. Now, they complain, ‘there are now barely any locals who use [it].’

SODC planning officers have warned that the move would be ‘inappropriate’ in the Green Belt.

They also warn that exceptional circumstances are required to allow it – but that they have been met.

Although details are scant, a child’s exceptional health reasons are said to override any environmental problems that might be caused by the development.

The family wants to live in Kiln Lane permanently but the council has said it would only recommend allowing temporary permission for three years.

It provided the authority with information which detail ‘significant and serious health problems’.

An SODC report notes: “Letters from a health visitor from Oxford Health NHS [Foundation Trust] support the need for the family to live down Kiln Lane.

“It is considered important for the family to live down [there] by the health visitor to allow the mother to provide the necessary care to look after her children.

“In addition, the site would allow for the ailed child to benefit from continued monitoring and care, including visits from a community children’s nurse.”

The project was set to be discussed at a SODC planning meeting on last Wednesday evening but the discussion was delayed so councillors can visit the site ahead of a later meeting.

Council officers note the ‘impact on the character and appearance of the countryside’ could be affected if the application is approved.

Garsington Parish Council has opposed the application. It has said it is ‘incompatible’ with current planning policy and that ‘no exceptional circumstances’ have been demonstrated.

It said SODC’s planning committee has ‘no authority to create a de-facto traveller site without public consultation’.

Oxfordshire County Council initially objected to the proposal too but then changed its mind.

It said the proposal would ‘increase vehicle movements’ along Kiln Lane but that those would not be significant enough to recommend the plan is refused in the future.