A planning application has been submitted to Stafford Borough Council seeking permission for three Gypsy and Traveller residential pitches on land off Whitesytch Lane, Hilderstone.
What is being proposed
The application, reference 25/41474/FUL, seeks change of use of the land to Gypsy and Traveller residential use, with the provision of three pitches and the development of an amenity building. It also includes residential use of the existing log cabin on the site.
According to the submitted supporting statement, the applicant, Mr John Varey, purchased the land in August 2025. The log cabin was originally granted temporary residential permission in 2005 in connection with Whitesytch Nursery and remains on the site.
The application describes three pitches within the development site’s 0.21 hectares :
• Pitch 1 would use the existing log cabin alongside a touring caravan
• Pitches 2 and 3 would include proposed mobile homes, touring caravans and parking
• A shared amenity building is proposed for Pitches 2 and 3
The submission states that residential use has already begun, with a touring caravan sited on the land since Sunday 23 November 2025, making the application part retrospective.
The applicant’s planning statement confirms the proposed occupants are Romani Gypsies and says the scheme would provide culturally appropriate accommodation for the family.
Planning history
The land has an established planning history.
In 2020, retrospective permission was granted to change the use of the land, log cabin and three polytunnels from horticultural to agricultural use.
That officer report described the site as being in open countryside outside a defined settlement boundary but concluded that agricultural use was appropriate in policy terms at that time.
Objections from neighbours
At least two objections have been submitted during the consultation period.
One neighbour has raised concerns about “inappropriate development in the countryside”, arguing the site lies outside any defined settlement boundary and conflicts with policies designed to protect rural character.
The same objection refers to potential harm to the character of Whitesytch Lane, describing it as a narrow rural lane characterised by open farmland and low-density development.
Highway safety has also been cited, with concerns about increased traffic and limited visibility along the lane.
A second representation similarly objects on the basis that the site is within open countryside and that intensified residential use would introduce an “urbanising development” harmful to the area’s character.
Both objections also raise sustainability concerns, stating the location has limited access to services and public transport.
Environmental considerations
As part of the application, the applicant has signed a Statement of Willingness to provide a financial contribution towards mitigation for Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation, as the site lies within 15km of the SAC.
The supporting documents also reference proposed landscaping, new hedge planting and retention of grassed areas to help screen the site and enhance biodiversity.
What happens next
The application will be determined by Stafford Borough Council following the consultation period and assessment by planning officers.
Residents can view the full plans and submit comments via Stafford Borough Council’s planning portal by searching reference 25/41474/FUL.
1 comment
Corinna Metters
I know that gypsies can be seen as a problem, however, everybody has to live somewhere. I find it ridiculous that someone who is the owner of the land, is not allowed to continue to live on their own land? The applicant has stated that they are willing to increase biodiversity, with hedges and landscaping referenced, and financial support for special conservation, I’m in support of the application.