Temporary planning permission granted at Sycamore Street
Temporary planning permission for caravans on Sycamore Street in Blaby village has been granted by a government inspector.
The Planning Inspectorate issued the decision after appeals against Blaby District Council’s refusal of planning permission and subsequent enforcement notice for the site.
The appeal was heard on 21 April 2026 at the council’s Narborough offices.
Inspector M Madge allowed the appeal by applicant Martin McDonagh and granted temporary planning permission, personal to the occupants, to change the use of the land.
The permission allows a static caravan, touring caravan, hardstanding, fencing and gates to remain on the land east of Sycamore Street for three years.
In her decision, the inspector confirms: “There can be no doubt that if the appeal were unsuccessful, it would take away a settled base for this household, who may potentially need to resort to living on the roadside and face disruption to the children’s educational provision as a result.
“I consider that a temporary permission (personal to the occupiers) would serve to reduce the severity of harm identified because the development proposal relates primarily to a use of the land, and returning the land to its condition before the development occurred would not be unduly complicated.”
The appeals followed the rejection of a retrospective planning application to change the use of the land to allow for the standing of a static caravan and erection of gates. This was refused by the council’s planning committee on 27 November 2025.
The refusal led to an enforcement notice requiring the land to be returned to its former condition and all mobile homes, vehicles and equipment removed. The notice came into effect on 31 December 2025.
The temporary planning permission is granted from 1 June 2026 to 1 June 2029 and applies only to the family currently living on site.
Councillor Mike Shirley, Blaby District Council portfolio holder for Planning and Strategic Growth, said: “We are disappointed that the Planning Committee’s decision in this case has been overturned. We have concerns about the impact any development in this location has on the Blaby conservation area."
Read the Planning Inspectorate's full decision notice.