Somerset family's 'huge relief' as Traveller site appeal fails

From the Western Gazette

A travelling family are facing eviction after an appeal for their caravans to stay on land near Castle Cary was thrown out by a Government planning inspector.

Neighbours of the site in Hadspen Quarry have been living on a knife edge in anticipation of Tuesday’s announcement and are now celebrating their two-year campaign’s “vindication”.

South Somerset District Council threw out district councillor Henry Hobhouse’s application but he appealed against the decision in order to retain the existing Travellers’ settlement on his 12-acre site near Green Lane.

Planning inspector Mark Dakeyne, who heard the appeal last month, ruled that the development would have an unacceptable impact on highway safety.

Visibility on the junction between Green Lane and the A359 was not considered adequate to provide safe access to the site.

The lack of a permanent water supply and sewerage works would increase visits of lorries to the area, adding to traffic problems, according to Mr Dakeyne.

He concluded that although there was a need for Traveller sites in the area and the family will have to be rehomed, those factors did not outweigh worsening road safety.

Mr Dakeyne described the family as “New Age Travellers” who preferred a nomadic way of life.

The couple moved to the area 15 years ago and initially set up home in a bus on the land. They moved into a caravan around two years ago. Their 10-year-old daughter attends Castle Cary Primary School.

Neighbours at Grove Farm Quarry, Rob and Lucy Comer, were “over the moon” at the decision after a worrying few months.

“This is a huge relief,” said Mrs Comer.

“It has been a long battle and it’s great news that land will now be protected.

“No one forced the family to live there and they have chosen to live that way of life.

“They will have to find somewhere else to live now, but that was always the risk.”

Mr Comer said: “The decision has vindicated our campaign and also the council’s original decision. It shows they got it right and the system works.

“I do feel sorry for the family. I think they have been used as pawns in the planning game to a certain extent but I’m sure they will stay local.

“This is an important decision for residents and businesses in the area.”

A Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment recently carried out for Somerset indicated a need for 18 residential pitches to be provided within South Somerset before 2020.

The district council has approved six new Traveller sites and three more are being considered, with ten required by 2015.

Mr Hobhouse said that moving the family off the land would disrupt the girl’s education.

A letter of support was offered by the Castle Cary Primary School head teacher and supporters had gathered a petition.

An application for legal costs against SSDC by Mr Hobhouse has also been refused.

Mr Hobhouse said: “Of course I am bitterly disappointed by this but I have already said to the family that they will now have to go.

“I don’t know where they will go to but is sad for the family.

“Not having a permanent water supply to the site is not a planning consideration as far as I am concerned. It is disappointing that was used as a reason to dismiss the appeal.”

A spokeswoman for SSDC said: “We have already carried out the preliminary paperwork and we now have to move to the next stage of formal enforcement.

“The Inspector’s decision will have to be discussed with our legal officer prior to issuing the enforcement notice. Consideration will have to be given as to what is a reasonable period of compliance.

“The landowner has a further right to appeal against any notice that is issued.”

The family living in the caravan were unavailable for comment.