A new fence and boundary extension for what was dubbed a ‘Gypsy and traveller pitch’ has been approved in south Buckinghamshire.

Mr Jack Cole’s part retrospective application for Home Farm Barn on School Lane in Stoke Poges was backed by a planning committee on Tuesday, September 24.

Although four councillors abstained from voting, the plans were approved by just two votes, including from chairman Trevor Egleton.

Cllr Ralph Bagge called in the plans after 27 objections to the plans, including concerns of their impact on Green Belt and that all existing caravans were not shown on plans.

He told the meeting: “My first thought reading the application was, ‘is this a stealth application for a gypsy and traveller pitch?’”

Mr Cole’s proposals sought to lay down new hardstanding for a driveway and to extend the land surrounding the existing property.

Planners said a caravan used by a family member within the proposed extended garden area was ‘lawful’ as it was ‘ancillary’ to the main house.

During the meeting, confused councillors questioned whether the caravan was authorised, but planners said they were only there to determine the application for the proposed garden extension.

At one point, Cllr Egleton snapped at legal officer Laura Lee Briggs when she said a proposal could be introduced at any time.

He said: “I’m chairing the meeting, thank you very much and that’s the way we always run our planning meetings. But if you want to take over chairing the meeting, be my guest.”