Friday 17 February 2012

Traveller site plan for Grange Road in Christchurch refused - Dorset

RESIDENTS are celebrating after Christchurch council announced they are proposing to remove Grange Road depot from its list of potential Travellers’ sites.

The council said they will retain the site for longer-term employment needs.

A consultation on a range of sites across the borough prompted a strong reaction from residents in Mudeford and beyond, who as well as setting up a petition with more than 1,600 signatures, organised a large public meeting to express their views.

The site was identified in a county-wide study looking for permanent and transit sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling show people.

Leader of the council, Cllr Ray Nottage said: “It is important that the council makes a clear statement as to how it sees the longer-term development of its Grange Road site.

“It is a priority of this council for Christchurch to remain a thriving place to live and work and with high standards of housing and good employment opportunities, particularly for our younger residents.

“Local people have asked us to make our position clear on the future of the Grange Road site and I am pleased to be able to.

“That said, the council will continue to work with all our partner authorities across the county to identify sites suitable for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople, permanent and transit.”

Councillors will consider a report at their full council meeting in April.

The proposal could leave just one site, at Dudmoor Farm Road, as a possibility for Christchurch.

This would provide three pitches and regularise the site, which is already used for this purpose.

Cllr David Jones, who represents the West Highcliffe ward said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. I am sure the residents will be delighted. I do not think this site should ever have been put forward for consideration.”

Linda Clarke, one of the residents concerned about the site, who helped to set up the petition said: “It’s absolutely wonderful news. I didn’t see how the council could actually go ahead with this site, as there were a number of different issues with it.

“It’s an important business area. All the residents will be so happy. There will be partying in the streets.”

And John Utting, who had complained to the council about the detrimental effect the proposal was having on local house prices, was also overjoyed.

He said: “My concerns were not just about the house issue, which has cost us a buyer for our house, but also the more general problems this would have thrown up.

“The schools are already oversubscribed in this area and there are also major employers here.”

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