Gypsy site extension raises fears - Oxford

PLANS to extend a Bloxham Gypsy site have raised fears about pressure on schools and the countryside.

Scrap metal firm Smiths of Bloxham has applied to add 16 extra pitches to the 20-pitch site between its site and the caravan park.

The plans also involve improving drainage and washing facilities to provide more places. A Cherwell District Council planning officer has recommended members approve the plan tomorrow.

Councils are charged with identifying sites for travellers by the Government.

Lifelong resident Sueellen Gaskin, 31, mum to Cash, three and Freedycole, nine, welcomed the move.

She said: “It is my home, I was born here. If there was a bigger place they would be able to have a family.

“This site is all families. They have got married and there is no room for them.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I think it is big enough as it is. They don’t build enough proper council sites so we’ve got to have somewhere to settle down and send our children to school.”

But Milton Parish Meeting said while it supported the principle of using the site, members still had concerns. One said they could not imagine permission being given for affordable houses on the site, adding: “There seems to be no reason why a special case should be made.”

Other villagers raised concerns about traffic, the lack of a bus service and the impact on Bloxham Primary School, which they said was “straining at the seams”.