Land in Datchet earmarked for Travellers' site - Berkshire

From the Slough and South Bucks Observer

A PLOT to house Travellers has been named as a council seeks residents' views.

Letters were sent out to households in Datchet proposing a consultation on using land in Mill Place, Datchet, as the home for additional pitches needed in the Royal Borough to provide accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers.

The letter states that the land, which backs onto houses in Cobb Close and Horton Road, is owned by the Loveridge family, although access is via Mill Place which is owned by the borough.

Residents have until December 14 to express their views.

The letter prompted villagers to form an action group in a bid to discuss the potential impact the site would have.

The Datchet Common Community Group was set to meet last night (Thursday) to discuss the letter and action in commenting on the consultation.

There will be a public meeting, chaired by cllr Christine Bateson, lead member for planning and partnerships, on Thursday, December 6 at St Mary's CE Primary Academy, The Green, Datchet, at 7pm.

The council will decide in January whether to proceed with the scheme and seek planning permission.

Other sites in Pool Lane, Waltham St Lawrence and Pickins Piece, Horton were dropped as potential plots last month.

Cllr Ewan Larcombe, vice-chairman of Datchet Parish Council, said it was "absolutely disgusting" the site in Mill Lane was being considered due to it being Green Belt land and on the flood plain.