Fears as Gypsy family apply to settle on land - Cornwall

PARCELS of land along the road between Portreath and Porthtowan could become sporadic Gypsy and Traveller settlements.

That is the fear of Portreath parish councillors who are concerned that a precedent could be set if a Gypsy family is given permission to remain on land at Nancekuke.

Gary Emmins has applied to Cornwall Council for permission to site a log cabin as a permanent base and a touring caravan for "nomadic use" at an address called Pirates, which he owns.
His agent is Maggie Smith-Bendell, a Romany Gypsy liaison officer from Somerset.
In her supporting statement to Cornwall Council, she said the site was sustainable with local services at "a short distance at Redruth and Illogan". The family was currently sharing a site which only had authority for one family.

She added: "Mr Emmins is a nomadic travelling Gypsy, who travels the country painting barns in his touring caravan.
"He also attends most Gypsy horse fairs, as is our custom, where he buys and sells anything of value, which hold a profit to earn part of his living.
"The family lives by all our traditions, culture and customs, and keeps our Romany language alive by our life-style."
Parish councillors were concerned that work had already taken place on the site, prior to any planning approval, including the building of a new access on to the main road.
Councillor Chris Watts said: "I have some sympathy with the way travellers struggle to find somewhere to live, but I don't see why they should be allowed to buy agricultural land and then get planning permission on it.
"It makes me cross that they go in, do what they want and expect to be allowed to stay there.
"If we were all allowed to do it, there would be sporadic developments all over the place."
Councillor Doug Coates said: "I'm convinced that they will get permission for this because of all the rules and regulations in their favour.
"Cornwall Council has done nothing in 25 years to provide appropriate sites."
Disagreed
Councillor Nigel Mathews disagreed, saying: "Cornwall Council has been trying to do an awful lot. They've rebuilt Tregajorran, they've built Wheal Jewell and another one on Bodmin Moor. The problem is no one wants them.
"If this one is allowed, we will have no way of stopping anyone else from doing it."
The parish council will consider the application again at its December meeting.