Backing for Travellers' site - Essex

TRAVELLERS should be allowed to have three pitches in Chappel, according to council planners.

Officers say Colchester Council’s planning committee should approve an application for the pitches for six caravans, utility sheds, fencing and shrubs, in Vernons Road.

Essex County Council says it has no concerns now because the number of proposed pitches has been reduced from a previous application.

But Chappel Parish Council said villagers had raised concerns over the plans. More than 60 letters of objection have been lodged, raising concerns including over light pollution, lack of water, the fact there is potentially no limit on the number of caravans and a lack of waste facilities.

Objectors are also concerned the site could be a magnet for families leaving the recently-vacated Dale Farm travellers’ site near Basildon.

Work has already begun to put up fencing around the site and the proposed plots have been marked out.
The plans have been resubmitted to Colchester Council after an application for six pitches was rejected.

The application will be decided at the planning meeting at Colchester town hall next Thursday at 6pm.