Fight over travellers' application for site on green belt - London

From the Harrow Observer

NEIGHBOURS are fighting proposals for an inappropriate Travellers site on green belt land.

Members of a residents association are concerned about permanent caravans being placed on the Green Acres site in Oxhey Lane, which is currently used for stabling horses, and more than 2,000 people have signed a petition against the bid.

An application has been lodged with Three Rivers District Council to change the use of land from stabling to use as a residential caravan site for six Gypsy families each with two caravans including laying of hardstanding and conversion of stables to provide six day rooms.

Members of Hatch End Residents Association who are opposed to the application argue it would contravene guidelines for building on the green belt.

Anne Swinson, from the association, said: Twenty years ago there was another application for building on the site but it was refused because this is green belt land.

This part of the green belt is very narrow and if this is approved it could reduce it even more.

Councils need exceptional circumstances to allow building on green belt land, however, people who have lodged their objection on the Three Rivers council website claim a travellers site does not class as such.

Another concern is the removal of rubbish, as the provisions for this are unclear, and increased traffic.

Chairman of the Hatch End association, Tony Allen, of Square Park, Oxhey Lane, said: Its inappropriate use of green belt land. We dont think its a very good idea.

The road nearby is already really busy and if plans go ahead then it will mean more traffic in and out. I am very against it.

Jean Lammiman, ward councillor for Hatch End, has been encouraging people to sign the petition which has been started by a neighbour.

She said: I have been in regular contact with the residents who are opposing the application and I am supporting them all the way. I think the idea is inappropriate and I am working hard to really get what the residents want.

Three Rivers District Council, which is dealing with the application as the site lies over the border in Hertfordshire, said the application is being considered.

Its principal planner, Luke Axe, said: The application is being processed at the moment. There are many things to consider with this application.

By definition development on the green belt is inappropriate.

The consultation for comments on the application, which was lodged by Peter Daley, has now closed.