Big protest over Traveller's pitch - Basingstoke

A PLAN to build a pitch for a Traveller’s caravan in Winchfield has been met with strong opposition.

Hart District Council has received more than 100 letters of objection to the plan for Greenacres Stables, in Taplins Farm Lane.

As revealed in The Gazette last month, Henry Giles wants to build a 0.14-hectare hardstanding and a utility room. The application states that the pitch will “meet a recognised need for such facilities in the area to facilitate a Gypsy lifestyle”.

While the plan states that the pitch is for a single caravan, villagers fear that it would attract more vehicles.

Robert Meier, of Sprats Hatch Lane, Winchfield, wrote: “This is a seven-acre site and could potentially become the home for hundreds of caravans.

“What assurances can be provided that this application, if allowed, would not lead to a huge expansion, legally permitted or not, and that Hart would end up with the problems and cost experienced by Barking Council at Dale Farm?”

Other villagers raised fears about flooding at the site and pointed out that Hart already has two out of the five allocated Gypsy sites in Hampshire, including Star Hill, near Hartley Wintney.

Barrie England, of Winchfield Court, Winchfield, said: “Above all, any residential development of this kind would change the character of the surrounding countryside.

“Hart is lucky enough to have rural areas of this kind and I believe it is the responsibility of the local authority to protect them.”

Winchfield Parish Council has formally objected to the plan.

Councillor Graham Bourne told The Gazette: “It has caused quite a stir. We do not want more gipsies here – we have had trouble in the past.”

Planning officers at the district council are expected to make a decision on the application by Monday, February 6.