Objections to Hambleton Travellers' site bid - Middlesbrough

DOZENS of residents have complained about plans to build a new site for Travellers.

Hambleton Council has received 59 written objections to proposals for a private facility in Great Broughton.

And more than 100 people gathered to have their say.

Residents living close to the proposed plot on farmland at Ings Lane told a meeting of Great and Little Broughton Parish Council of their concerns at the growth potential of the “one-family” caravan site plan.

The sometimes-heated meeting was held ahead of the relevant application going before the district council’s planning committee on February 2.

The change-of-use application would see agricultural land become a private travellers’ site for one family. It would also involve the creation of new access onto the main road.

Among those airing their concerns at Great Broughton village hall was Frances Taylor, who questioned the distance between the new access point and a “blind” bridge.

John Pollitt, acting as agent for the applicant, replied that there would be at least 100 metres clearance.

Residents also questioned the fairness of the application being approved, considering families are already living on the site.

And they also brought up the issue of potential expansion of the site.

Ward councillor Margaret Skillbeck asked: “The agent has talked about 10 sites being on the area - why was this application put in for one family rather than the exact situation?”

Planning chief Maurice Cann said each application had to be assessed individually. When asked whether he would be recommending approval, he said: “Subject to the Highways Agency being satisfied.”