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Six day s78 inquiry into a proposal for six pitches for gypsy caravans in open countryside, 1km from the village of Piddington. The site was next to a MoD training area and local residents had consistently complained about noise from this. The application was accordingly refused on the basis that the noise from the training area made the site unsuitable for residential use. The authority also alleged that the site was distant from services, the only bus service being suitable only for shopping trips. The Inspector requested the MoD to give evidence at the inquiry. The MoD witness, however, had never heard or been present at any training activity on the training area: the only witnesses with actual experience of noise from the training area were those called by the Parish Council. The Inspector granted planning permission. Richard Langham appeared for Piddington Parish Council.
