Three Rivers District councillors to make final decision on Gypsy site in Carpenders Park - Hertfordshire

From the Watford Observer

Councillors will make a decision on whether or not to approve the creation of a controversial Gypsy site in Carpenders Park next week.

More than 1,000 people signed a petition opposing the application for a 12-caravan site on green belt land in Oxhey Lane and around 50 residents attended a Three Rivers District Council planning committee meeting last month.

At the meeting, councillors voted to defer the decision until next Thursday (May 23) to allow for a site visit which took place on May 11.

Residents say allowing the site would result in the loss of visual amenity, increased strain on local amenities, an increase in crime and a fall in property prices if the site made the surrounding area less desirable.

Residents have also warned that: "A site of this size would attract other Gypsies and Travellers, resulting in unlawful incursions and a potential Dale Farm scenario."

A report into the application concedes that the development is both inappropriate and harmful to the openness of the green belt but says it is not sufficient for the authority to refuse permission.