Travellers cite double standards after planning bid rejected - London

From the Enfield Advertiser

A FAMILY of Travellers say they are “disappointed” after their bid to set up home on a stretch of green belt land in Enfield was turned down.

Irish Traveller Jim Lanvin had applied for planning permission for three static caravans in Durwen Nursery, in Tingeys Top Lane, but the application was rejected by Enfield Council’s planning committee on Tuesday last week.

Although Mr Lanvin’s bid was rejected because the site is on green belt land, another planning application for four five-bedroom detached houses, to be built in King’s Oak Nursery, also on green belt land in Tingeys Top Lane, had been approved by councillors shortly beforehand at the same meeting.

Mr Lanvin admitted he was surprised at the decision, telling the Advertiser there appeared to be double standards.

His wife, who did not want to give her name for fear of repercussions, said: “It’s disgraceful. We’re being victimised just for putting in an application.”

Toby Simon, Labour councillor for Enfield Highway, said: “The council hasn’t provided any Traveller sites in the borough and needs to take into account its duties under equalities legislation.”

Welcoming the committee’s decision, chairman of the Crews Hill Residents’ Association Peter Jeffery said: “We had strongly opposed the application and applaud the committee for continuing to enforce the no-residential policy for the green belt.”

Mr and Mrs Lanvin have said they will appeal against the decision.