Plans for Rhyl static caravan site for ‘Travellers’ are re-submitted

In March 2022, Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee turned down an application by Phillip Purcell for six static caravans on land behind his own home on Kynsal House, Vale Road.

Mr Purcell, who has lived in Kynsal House, a two-storey detached dwelling, since 2019, said he needed the extra accommodation for his six adult children and their own families.

He appealed the planning committee’s decision, which was overturned following an appeal hearing and site visit by planning inspector, Nia Jones, earlier this year.

Since succeeding in his appeal, Mr Purcell has lodged fresh proposals with the council.

These are for a change of use of land and ancillary buildings to form a residential site for the siting of six static caravans, with Kynsal House retained for owners’/managers’ accommodation.

Proposals Mr Purcell has sent to Denbighshire County Council (Image: DCC planning documents) The proposals also involve the formation of internal pathways, parking, landscaping and associated works.

It is also stated that a bat box, swallow nest box, and small bird species nest box will all be installed, as well as a “hedgehog house” and an access hole in fences for hedgehogs.

New trees and hedgerows will also be planted.

Extracts from a personal statement made on Mr Purcell’s behalf at the appeal hearing read: “All of the family group have a need for a settled base, and as the appeal site is family-owned, it represents their best opportunity to meet their needs.”

Ms Jones, in allowing the appeal, also felt that Mr Purcell’s children’s best interests would be served by a settled family base and access to education and other necessary services.

In addition, she acknowledged  “the existing unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller sites in Denbighshire”, which is “unlikely to be met in the foreseeable future”.

She added: "Given the accepted lack of alternative provision, dismissing the appeal is likely to condemn the children to a roadside existence.”

Ms Jones approved the appeal with conditions attached, including that there must not be more than six permanent static caravan on the site at any time.

No additional static caravans, touring caravans or motor homes shall be brought onto the site at any time, either, and no commercial or livery activities can take place on the land, including the storage of materials.