The same requirements apply to Gypsies and Travellers as to the settled community when seeking to build on the green belt. Planning permission is likely to be needed. Every planning application is decided on its merits in the light of local plan policies, but, under Planning Policy Guidance Note 2 on green belts, there is a general presumption against inappropriate development in the green belt. Inappropriate development should not be approved, except in very special circumstances, and it will be for the applicant to show why permission should be granted.
In Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, planning policies and development control decisions should give great weight to the conservation of the natural beauty of the landscape and countryside. Planning Policy Statement 7, “Sustainable development in rural areas”, states that major developments should not take place in these designated areas, except in exceptional circumstances. Whether a Traveller camp is considered a major development would be a matter for the planning authority.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest are protected by law, and Planning Policy Statement 9, “Biodiversity and Geological Conservation”, requires a high degree of protection to be given to SSSIs under the planning system. Where a proposed development is likely to have an adverse effect on an SSSI, planning permission should normally not be granted. If a particular activity on a site is listed on the SSSI notification as likely to damage features of special interest, the person wishing to carry out that activity must apply to Natural England for consent under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If Natural England has not given consent for such works it is an offence under that Act to carry them out. This protection is enforced.