Riseley farm planning dispute heads to fresh appeal hearing

Scott Hodson is challenging Bedford Borough Council's decision to refuse permission for an existing caravan at Hill Farm, Melchbourne Road, Riseley, to be retained as temporary accommodation for an agricultural worker.

The application sought permission for the caravan to remain for three years, subject to a condition restricting its occupation to agricultural workers.

The council refused the application in August after concluding that an essential need for a worker to live on the site had not been demonstrated.

The decision notice added: “The proposal would result in an unwarranted isolated residential development located in the open countryside and in an unsustainable location.”

In his appeal, Mr Hodson argues that the agricultural activities at Hill Farm justify the need for temporary accommodation on the site.

He has submitted agricultural labour estimates, financial forecasts and other supporting evidence to make his case.

The appeal is the latest development in a series of planning applications and enforcement proceedings concerning Hill Farm over the past decade.

In March 2025, a planning inspector dismissed an earlier appeal concerning an agricultural worker's dwelling at the site.

The council’s decision notice added that the site has also been the subject of High Court proceedings. In February 2026, the court granted an injunction requiring caravans and mobile homes to be removed from the land.

According to the council's planning officer's report, permission to appeal against the injunction was refused in July.

The latest planning appeal is scheduled to be heard at Borough Hall, Bedford, on Wednesday, November 25, starting at 10am.