THE Planning Inspectorate has refused to grant planning permission for a mobile home in Sienna’s Valley, Chapmanslade.

The applicant, Miss Snook, had argued that the mobile home was needed so she could look after her flock of alpacas every day of the week, at a hearing on March 15.

Those opposing the application claimed that it had been made retrospectively and that it would have a detrimental impact on the landscape.

Phil Jefferson, chairman of Chapmanslade Parish Council, said: “We are glad that the inspector noted that there was considerable opposition from local residents, who he said provided a lot of cogent and relevant evidence to support the refusal’.

“It would have been totally wrong to have allowed this development to go ahead. It has been a long battle, as it is almost two years since the mobile home arrived on site and the community is delighted that matters are now drawing to a close.

“As a parish, we do, of course, support the farming community and the employment it brings to the village but this was the wrong way of going about things and justice has not only been done but has been seen to have been done.”

Miss Snook now has 12 months to remove the building and restore the land to its original state.