Gypsy applies for permanent home on former Crawley farm - Sussex

From the Crawley News

A TRAVELLER has applied for permission to set up a permanent home for his family on land in Crawley.

Kevin Martin, an English Gypsy, has submitted plans to move onto a plot of land north of Tinsley Green with his son, daughter and her partner.

Mr Martin has owned the site off Peeks Brook Lane, which used to be part of a farm, for about four years and has been stopping there for the last two years in a touring caravan.

The planning application entered to Crawley Borough Council is to change the use of the land so that it can permanently station two caravans.

Mr Martin also wants to create a new access route and install fencing and gates.

In the application's supporting statement Alison Heine, the agent working on behalf of Mr Martin, said the family have picked the site because it is a good size and an area they know.

She said: "Up until two to three years ago Mr Martin was sharing a plot with his wife on a site in south London.

"He has split up with his wife and had need for a plot of his own. Two of his four children have chosen to live with their father.

"Mr Martin has been stopping on the land for the last two to three years and would be homeless if consent is not granted."

She added: "This is not a speculative development.

"The council is unable to suggest any quieter location for (Traveller) families seeking to live in this district.

"The needs of Gypsies in Crawley has been assessed and quantified. There remains a substantial unmet need."

Permission is sought for one mobile caravan and a touring caravan to be situated at the site.

The mobile home would be used by Mr Martin and his son. His daughter would live in the touring caravan with her partner.

The family are also looking to keep three horses on the land.

West Sussex County Council provides 12 permanent sites for travellers in the county, offering 120 pitches, but none of these are in Crawley. The borough council is in the process of putting together its new Local Plan up to 2029, outlining how it intends to cater for the town's housing needs.

Deputy leader Claire Denman said Crawley's need for gypsy and traveller sites will be put to public consultation next year.

Mr Martin's plans were submitted to the council on September 25 and a deadline for public comments has been set for October 19. A decision is expected by November 20.