Showpeople's Caravan Site Expansion Approved in Berkshire

After years of objections, West Berkshire councillors have approved the expansion of a travelling showpeople caravan site at Long Copse Farm, allowing up to 24 plots for Zippo's Circus, including four previously approved plots.

The move was signed off at a packed western area planning committee meeting on Wednesday, before new government rules hand more power to council officers, because the site is in the current Local Plan.

Locals and parish councils warned the plans leave gaps on occupancy, services and woodland protection.

"My concern is scale. No one has any idea of how many people will occupy these sites," he said.

"Also, can the residents of these plots be identified as circus folk, and not, in the words of one resident, someone with a paddling pool, and fishing rod and half a dozen plastic ducks?

"There are many other suitable alternative sites around the country, bearing in mind Zippos is run by a company outside Berkshire, and only occasionally performs in Berkshire, in Ascot."

A 15-metre landscape buffer is proposed next to Long Copse, a designated ancient woodland, but Enborne Parish Council said it did not go far enough. Enborne applied to challenge the allocation, but in January 2026 the High Court refused permission.

The decision noted that the "claim is unarguable and has no real prospect of success", adding: "The claimant's concerns regarding evidence of need are misplaced."

Suzanne Van Dyke, for Enborne Parish Council, said the plans conflicted with countryside policy and left the woodland exposed.

"It extends beyond the allocated site for associated infrastructure works," she said. "Is this acceptable under countryside policies?

"The proposed layout does not buffer the ancient woodland properly, leaving a substantial section unprotected.

"The buffer is not there. So how is the woodland protected?

"The application represents significant increase in residents numbers and there is no assessment from emergency services in the application.

"What would happen if there was a fire on the site?"

Anne Budd, chair of Hamstead Marshall Parish Council, said they were not prejudiced against travelling people but worried about pressure on local services.

"We do not hold prejudice against travelling show people. We are not in conflict with anyone.

"My comments should not be deemed as disrespectful.

"Life for travelling people isn't like Wind in the Willows. It is a life of hardship and challenges.

"There could be stresses on local services.

"How many of you in the room have tried to get an NHS dentist appointment?

"These people will need NHS care for their children.

"Just because there is a shortage of sites it doesn't mean this application should be approved.

"What about the settled community of Enborne?

"Of everything I have heard, out of respect for the settled communty, surely a compriomise can be reached?"

Bob Neville, agent for the applicant, urged approval and said the allocation had been scrutinised.

"Martin Burton, the owner of Zippos Circus, understands concerns from residents, but we ask the committee to go with recommendations to approve.

"It has a long-standing allocation for 24 plots.

"It was subject to detailed scrutiny and the planning inspector said the allocation was justified.

"The proposed permission will be restricted to travelling showpeople."

Lib Dem councillor Tony Vickers suggested ID checks to ensure occupiers are showpeople. "Otherwise any caravan might park on the site and how do you know that the occupiers are from your community?"

The committee approved the application by six votes to one.

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter