Campaign gathers pace to stop new Worlds End Travellers’ site - Hampshire

From the News

OPPOSITION is growing to proposals for a new Travellers’ site for up to 35 people.

Denmead Parish Council is formally submitting a strong objection to the plans for land behind The Chairmakers Arms, in Forest Road, Worlds End, near Denmead.

The proposals would mean turning a pony paddock into eight Traveller pitches, including enough room for a mobile home, a touring caravan and a day room on each pitch.

More than 40 people attended a parish council meeting to discuss the matter.

Councillors raised concerns over road safety as Forest Road has a speed limit of 60mph.

They said vehicles regularly turning in and out of it could be an accident waiting to happen.

Cllr Neil Lander-Brinkley, chairman of the parish council, said: ‘Everyone present accepted the position that it was on strictly planning grounds that residents should raise objections, and on which the parish council would form its view.

‘After listening intently to the points that were made, the councillors debated the issue and the planning rules that applied to the site, they voted unanimously to record a strong objection to Winchester City Council.

‘The reasons stated are inconsistencies in the application; the effect on road safety and that it is contrary to the agreed policies for the Countryside and for the Sites for Gypsies and Travellers that are set out in the recently adopted Winchester City Council Local Plan.’

Meanwhile, Cllr Patricia Stallard, a county councillor and ward councillor for Denmead, believes the plans may ultimately be flawed.

She said: ‘The ownership details of the track and access to the proposed site has been reviewed and it appears that this land is in separate ownership.

‘Consequently, further details and evidence are being sought from the applicant which will clarify ownership and might mean that the application does not proceed.’

Comments for the application were supposed to end today, but the deadline has now been extended to July 8. Comments should be directed to Winchester City Council.

WS Planning, acting on behalf of a large Traveller family, did not want to comment on the application.