Arlesey Travellers site set for expansion - Bedfordshire

From the Advertiser

Planning permission is set to be granted for the expansion of a Travellers’ site in Arlesey currently facing enforcement action.

Central Bedfordshire Councillors are today to decide at a meeting on the future of the site at Twin Acres, off Hitchin Road.

Planning officers have recommended that the green light is given to the application, which outlines an increase from a single static caravan to five, plus an amenity block, hardstanding and car parking spaces.

However, four mobile homes appeared near the site earlier this year, while a similar planning application was being considered by the council and the owner is currently facing enforcement action.

The crunch decision on the planning application will also impact on the pending enforcement action.

The council received objections to the latest plans from 22 residents and Arlesey Town Council, pointing out the sub-standard access to the road from the site, and the number of pitches already existing in the area.

Residents also voiced their fears of the impact on the area, while three letters of support have also been received by the council.

In a report to be considered by the councillors tonight, it is pointed out that the council has already met the number of Traveller pitches it needs to provide in Central Bedfordshire and there is a presumption against development in the open countryside.

However, it is considered that the extra caravans would have a minimal impact on the appearance of the area and on the nearest neighbours, and a condition to improve the "hazardous" access to the site could be imposed if permission is granted.

A representative from Arlesey Residents Association, which claims to have received more than 500 letters of objection, will be speaking at the meeting in Shefford