Plymouth Traveller site approved - Devon

From the Plymouth Herald

A TRAVELLER site has been given the go-ahead, despite opposition from councillors and businesses.

The 16-pitch Gypsy and Traveller site at Broadley Park, in Bickleigh, has been signed off after a site inspection last week.

The land is in the South Hams, but is part of Broadley Park industrial estate, which is owned by Plymouth City Council.

The council held public consultations on the plans last autumn but faced some objections.

However they say a transit site would mean a reduction in unauthorised encampments.

A spokeswoman for Plymouth City Council said: "We're very pleased that our proposals for a transit site at Broadley Park have been given the go-ahead by South Hams planners.

"This is a major step forward in our plans to develop the site that were drawn up following a six-week consultation with local residents and businesses.

"We need a proactive approach to dealing with unauthorised encampments, encouraging Travellers to use a proper site instead of pitching up in unsuitable places.

"These unauthorised encampments are affecting more and more neighbourhoods and we can't ignore the problems they cause.

"Providing a transit site would mean we expect to see a reduction in the number of unauthorised encampments and subsequently we hope to ease community tension."

In May, Nicky Barnes, who served on South Hams District Council and lives in nearby Roborough Village, attacked the proposals.

She said: "The site is in an area that has no transport links, no amenities and no schools.

"It is off the beaten track and at the end of an industrial estate.

"There is a constant stream of articulated lorries going up and down the road. It is going to be dangerous.

"Local businesses are going to be badly affected."

see also: The Western Morning News - Gypsy and Traveller site given go-ahead