Concerns over caravan - Yorkshire

PARISH councillors have called on East Riding of Yorkshire Council to speed up plans to remove a Gypsy from a site in Nafferton after he lost his appeal to stay there permanently over five months ago.

Last August Irish Traveller Anthony Quinn lost his planning appeal to site a caravan permanently and build a stable block on his own land on Back Carr Lane.

Mr Quinn was told by East Riding of Yorkshire Council planners that the development would harm the appearance of the countryside and the site was unsuitable for its proposed use, while the area’s need for Gypsy sites was low.

But several villagers have now contacted the Parish Council and the ERYC, concerned that Mr Quinn is still occupying the site despite having been given three months notice to leave.

In a letter sent to the Parish Council, which was read out at their latest meeting, John and Christopher Wresdell claimed that Mr Quinn is using nearby waterways to dispose of the contents of his chemical toilet.

“For the record the latest misdemeanour committed by Mr Quinn and his family is that they are now tipping the contents of their chemical toilet into any convenient dyke on the roadside between Back Carr Lane and Outgates Farm.

“There is also a dog howling regularly most nights and the generator noise appears erratic at the moment,” they said.

The meeting also heard Paul Burkinshaw, of Lowthorpe Lane, contacted ERYC to ask why the enforcement process had not begun and was told by Graham Carver, planning enforcement officer, the matter was being dealt with.

But Mr Burkinshaw is concerned that once an enforcement notice is issued it could take up to a year before the site is vacated.

“What is of concern is Mr Carver indicated that the time scale that could be given can be up to a year which I am sure you will agree would be totally unacceptable and agree that the shortest time scale possible should be given.

“I am not sure exactly how long Mr Quinn has unlawfully been living in the field but it must be a few years now and it is about time that the matter was dealt with and done so promptly,” Mr Burkinshaw said.

In response to Mr Burkinshaw’s concerns Mr Carver said they had sought advice from the council’s legal section and were awaiting welfare checks on the occupants of the caravans before any action can be taken.

Mr Carver said such checks had to be carried out otherwise the council could “fall foul if an appeal is raised by Mr Quinn and possibly a public enquiry.”

“I have asked our housing section to make the necessary checks and I am waiting for their response. As soon as we are able, we will continue with the notice which is now with the planners,” Mr Carver added.

Nafferton Parish Council will contact the Environment agency about the alleged use of waterways for the disposal of toilet waste.

It will also send all the correspondence from villagers to ERYC and Couns Jane Evison and Jonathan Owen to ask them to put pressure on council officers to resolve the issue quickly.