Traveller site extension planned - Hampshire

From Get Hampshire

A MAJOR extension is planned for a Traveller caravan site in a beauty spot close to Aldershot.

Guildford Borough Council has proposed adding five new permanent traveller pitches to the Ash Bridge Caravan site in Aldershot Road, Ash Vale. Rushmoor Borough Council’s opinion is being sought on the development due to the site’s proximity to Aldershot.

Guildford Borough Council claims there is a serious need for more Gypsy sites in the area and said the extension will stop illegal campsites and clashes between travellers and residents.

Guildford’s lead councillor for planning and development Jenny Wicks said: “We have an established Gypsy and Traveller community in the borough which has an urgent, unmet need for additional pitches.

“By planning for more pitches we hope to reduce the unauthorised development and temporary permissions granted through the appeals process.”

According to the site plans, the extension will require the development of the wooded area to the south of the current Traveller camp site, which holds 13 caravans.

Although the council admits that the area is located within the countryside beyond the Green Belt, it states that there is a “distinctly urban feel to the area”.

Guildford Borough Council’s design and access statement says: “The current site has accommodated Traveller households since 1993. It is not thought that an extension of this site would have any negative effect on the local economy, rather it would increase the number of established households in the local area to use local businesses.

“The extension area can only be accessed through the current site and thus restricts its possible uses, making it most suitable to be used to provide additional pitches which are greatly needed in the borough.

“There is also no alternative available, suitable and viable site at present to accommodate new public traveller pitches.

“Given the significant need for pitches, further pitches are needed in the borough, therefore even if there were an alternative, it would be needed for development also.”

Although some residents raised concerns about increased noise, rubbish and barking dogs, the current site has a reputation for being well managed.

Despite the lack of outspoken complaints from neighbouring residents, Guildford Borough Council’s consultation with existing residents appeared to highlight a continuing separation of the Traveller community from the rest of the town. When residents were asked if a footpath could be included that allowed access from outside the site, they voted strongly against it, claiming that they have been abused from the riverbank footpath repeatedly and would not feel safe allowing their children to play unsupervised. Should the planning application be granted for the area, Surrey County Council has stated that it would become the largest site in the county’s portfolio.

The lack of Traveller sites across Surrey and Hampshire has led to numerous clashes between the Traveller community and council authorities over illegal camps.

Rushmoor’s development control committee will discuss the plans later in the year.