Basildon: Traveller Site To Be Approved - Essex

From Heart.co.uk

Plans for a Travellers site in Basildon, which would be home to some of the families moved off Dale Farm, is set to be approved later.

The proposals for land off Gardiners Way and Gardiners Lane South in the town would see 15 pitches built - enough space for 30 caravans, a utility block, day rooms, a community garden and building, and children's play area.

The application, which has been submitted by the Irish Traveller Movement of Britain, is being discussed by councillors at a Development Control meeting and it is recommended for approval.

Around 400 people were cleared from Dale Farm in October, which saw the end of a 10 year-long battle between the Travellers and Basildon Borough Council.

At the time the area was the largest illegal Travellers site in Europe and the operation to clear it cost more than £7 million. Some of the families moved on are now living illegally on Oak Lane, a road that leads up the Dale Farm site.

The new site is just a few miles away from Dale Farm, but smaller meaning not all the families cleared would move there.

The land has been vacant for several years, despite being one of those within the borough earmarked for development. In 2006, a planning application was submitted for nearly 200,000 square feet of business space and new homes.

Although it was accepted, nothing further happened.

There have been some concerns about the proposals from people living near the site. In particular, issues were raised about the economic impact it would have on the area with some people worried it would make it difficult to attract new businesses, while others feel enough accommodation for travellers is already provided in the borough.

The Council says: "The Travellers community will be impacted upon should the Council refuse planning permission for this development. It is recognised that Gypsies and Travellers are an ethnic group and therefore are protected under the Equality Act 2010".