# Land north-west of Sackville Cottage, High Street, Riseley (static caravan)

- **Decision:** dismissed, 1 September 2026
- **Decided by:** Planning Inspector: Chris Couper
- **Authority:** Bedford (East of England)
- **Appeal reference:** 6011645
- **Application reference:** 26/00199/S73A
- **Procedure:** written-representations
- **Development:** Retrospective temporary (18-month) siting of a static caravan for non-residential purposes in a field
- **Site context:** open-countryside
- **Green Belt:** no
- **Framework applied:** August 2026 NPPF
- **Determinative policies:** DP3
- **Development plan policies:** Bedford Local Plan 2030 28S, 29, 30, Riseley Neighbourhood Plan 2022-2030 RC1, D1
- **Main issues:** character and appearance
- **Tags:** retrospective, transitional-no-consultation, countryside-character, tier-2

## Summary
A retrospective static caravan in a Riseley field was dismissed for significant harm to rural character (DL ¶14).

## What made the difference
The caravan's utilitarian form in an open field (DL ¶6). The inspector cites the Framework by "Section" (14 design, 4 countryside) rather than by policy code (DL ¶12).

## Policy findings
- **DP3: fail (significant weight).** utilitarian caravan in an open field causes significant harm to rural character; the Framework's "Section 14" design and "Section 4" countryside character cited (DL 6-14)

## Key facts
- Not re-consulted: relevant policies "not significantly different" (DL 3)
- Temporary 18-month period did not overcome harm

## Sources
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6011645
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/846593bb-0146-437e-9f78-c9d44e3d0916

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6011645.html

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