Warning over controversial Traveller site in North Yorkshire

Sir Alec Shelbrooke has raised concerns about Bridge House, on Oxmoor Lane, Biggin, near Selby, where a long-running planning dispute has resulted in enforcement action and several appeals.

In an update due to be presented to the Selby and Ainsty Area Committee next week, the MP for Wetherby and Easingwold, said enforcement action had given the site owner until August 11 to remove additional caravans and return the land to its approved use.

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However, he said: “No attempt to adhere to this notice has been forthcoming.”

The MP said he understood North Yorkshire Council had scheduled a series of site visits with a view to formally enforcing the notice now the deadline had passed.

He added that residents were frustrated that people who breached planning controls could seemingly delay further action by simply failing to comply with a formal notice.

The issue is also due to be discussed at a meeting of Biggin Parish Council next week.

The dispute dates back several years.

Planning permission granted in 2020 allowed Bridge House to operate as a holiday touring caravan site with up to 16 touring caravans and four grass tent pitches, together with tracks, sewage treatment facilities and an amenity building.

However, concerns emerged during 2024 that development and residential use had gone beyond the permission granted.

North Yorkshire Council issued a temporary stop notice in November 2024 preventing further caravans being brought onto the land and additional engineering and hardstanding works.

An application was also submitted for a mixed-use transit traveller site and tourism operation, with proposals publicised by the parish council including 48 pitches and two static caravans.

The council refused permission and issued an enforcement notice in December 2024 over what it said was an unauthorised change of use and associated development.

Following a hearing, planning inspector R Merrett dismissed the planning appeal in August 2025. Appeals against the enforcement notice were also dismissed, although the notice was corrected and varied before being upheld.

A separate enforcement appeal concerning commercial and workshop activities was determined in March this year, when another notice was varied and upheld.

Sir Alec also expressed concern about recent government announcements which he said appeared to weaken previous rules allowing councils to tackle illegal traveller encampments.

He said he understood why residents who “play by the rules and do the right thing” were frustrated when others appeared able to “play the system”.