Villagers opposed to expansion of Gypsy caravan site - Staffordshire

From the Burton Mail

VILLAGERS have voiced their opposition to the expansion of a Gypsy caravan site.

The owner of the Mile End encampment, in Derby Road, Hilton, has applied to allow two extra caravans stay on the site for three months a year.

However, this has provoked an angry response from neighbour Michael Plimmer, who has lived in Derby Road for 21 years and who claimed any expansion would lead to more noise and litter.

Speaking at the latest monthly meeting of Hilton Parish Council Mr Plimmer said: “This amount of caravans would be seriously out of order.

“A caravan is a home. On that site, would you put five houses?”

“It’s not animosity against anyone — not gipsies, not pink elephants.

“I cannot see how it would be monitored — for me it is a complete non starter.” He argued that the site was on an ‘exposed’ plot of land, and he said he believed that if it got any bigger, it could cause ‘a bad first impression’ for anyone driving into the village.

The owner of the site, Leo Smith, said in his application to South Derbyshire District Council that occupancy of the land was currently limited to three caravans.

He said: “This condition is generally acceptable but there are occasions, such as Christmas or other family celebrations, when all of Mr Smith’s sons and daughters gather together with their wives and children.”

Parish councillor Piet Walton-Knight, who examines planning applications for Hilton Parish Council, said the authority should oppose to the proposals.

“No-one else in the village can park extra caravans on the front of their houses for the holidays,” he said.

“There is the fact this is an unusual request. I’m concerned.

“There is amenity there for three caravans, but would there be adequate amenity for five caravans? “I suggest we turn this one down.”

The parish council voted unanimously to object to the plans.

South Derbyshire District Council is aiming to have made a decision on the application by May 7.