World · Europe · 8 hrs ago
Planning inspector rejects traveller site in Wiltshire countryside
A planning inspector rejected Leeroy Johnstone’s appeal to keep his site in Clyffe Pypard, Wiltshire.
Johnstone moved onto the land with his family in 2023 and later applied for planning permission to keep the development.
The site has three caravans, hardstanding and fences about five feet high, and was built in protected countryside.
The inspector said it failed to conserve the North Wessex Downs’ natural beauty.
Villagers and parish councillors had objected, saying the development harmed the landscape and wildlife.
The decision opens the way for Wiltshire Council to seek its removal and the land’s restoration.
Johnstone also recently lost a separate High Court dispute with the Earl of Inchcape over woodland, but that case concerned different land.
A planning inspector rejected Leeroy Johnstone’s appeal to keep an unauthorised traveller site in Clyffe Pypard, Wiltshire.
Inspector Laura Cuthbert said the site failed to conserve the natural beauty and special qualities of the North Wessex Downs.
The decision means Wiltshire Council could take enforcement action requiring the site to be cleared and the land restored.
Johnstone said his children and grandchildren would have nowhere to go if the site were lost.
Villagers and parish councillors had objected to the site, citing its effect on the countryside, wildlife and local views.
- Who
- Leeroy Johnstone, who built the site, and planning inspector Laura Cuthbert, who rejected his appeal.
- What
- The inspector rejected Johnstone’s bid to keep an unauthorised traveller site. Wiltshire Council could take enforcement action.
- When
- The inspector’s decision was reported on 10 November 2026. The site was established in 2023.
- Where
- Clyffe Pypard, Wiltshire, in the North Wessex Downs.
- Why
- The inspector said the site failed to conserve the natural beauty and special qualities of the North Wessex Downs.
Leeroy Johnstone
Planning inspector and Wiltshire Council
Keeping the site
Leeroy Johnstone
Johnstone argued that his children and grandchildren would have nowhere to go if the site were lost.
Planning inspector and Wiltshire Council
The inspector rejected his appeal, finding that the site failed to conserve the natural beauty and special qualities of the North Wessex Downs.
Johnstone moved onto the land with his family and established the site.
Johnstone applied for retrospective planning permission.
The Daily Mail reported that a planning inspector had rejected Johnstone’s appeal to keep the site.
- Site location
- Clyffe Pypard, Wiltshire
- Land designation
- North Wessex Downs
- Site features
- Three caravans, hardstanding and fences 5ft high
- Applicant
- Leeroy Johnstone
- Inspector
- Laura Cuthbert
What people are saying
failed to conserve the natural beauty and special qualities
destroyed habitat for local wildlife
What used to be a beautiful peaceful rural setting has turned into an eyesore.
The overall feeling when entering this previously wide open cul-de-sac is of being hemmed in and restricted, which is oppressive.