Traveller family given more time to leave M4 site near Chippenham
Planning inspector rules conditions by Wiltshire Council as excessive
Last updated 22nd Apr 2026
A government inspector has ruled that Wiltshire Council made 'excessive' demands when evicting a traveller family from an illegal site near the M4 in Chippenham.
The site was occupied by Romany traveller Mr E Skyes and his brother in May 2022 at Littleton Drew, where they set up four large touring caravans and converted a barn into a day room.
A planning application was lodged in January 2023 to establish a site with mobile homes and caravans but was opposed by several parish councils and 140 residents.
After planning permission was denied in May 2023, Mr Sykes lodged an appeal in November 2023, which was unsuccessful due to the site's proximity to the M4.
In May 2024, Wiltshire Council issued an enforcement notice, demanding caravans and materials from a landscaping business be removed. A second notice followed in June, requiring the removal of sheds, hardstanding, and gravel paths.
The original deadline for compliance was 12 months, but Mr Sykes argued this was inadequate.
Planning inspector Andy Harwood agreed that "the period for compliance with the notice falls short of what is reasonable" and increased it to 16 months.
Regarding the second notice, Harwood found the council's demands were excessive and extended the restoration period to 24 months.