Plans for controversial village Traveller site resubmitted - Lincolnshire

From the Grantham Journal

A planning application has been submitted for a site which could accommodate up to 20 mobile homes for Gypsy and Traveller families.

If accepted, the site in Woolsthorpe Lane, Sedgebrook, would be home to 10 pitches - each pitch able to accommodate two mobile homes - and 10 toilet blocks.

An application by the same applicant - Mr T. Hone - for a site of the same size was rejected in October of last year on grounds including location, surface water drainage and ecology.

However, the applicant believes these concerns have now been overcome so has re-submitted the application.

The original application was opposed by Sedgebrook Parish Council on the grounds of road safety and the isolated setting.

The design and access statement says: “Mr Hone and numerous Traveller families have enquired at a number of Traveller pitches within the local area and have been told they are at full occupancy.

“As no further land has been allocated for this use by the county council, this has left the Travellers homeless, thus forcing them to pitch on land which they do not own. This brings with it many problems and concerns for neighbouring residents.

“The available space for this type of land use is limited within its local are but the demand for accommodation is high. Making better use of this land will reduce the need for Travellers to house on land which they do not own.”

Mr Hone and his agent argue the new application addresses the previous concerns and say the site:

+ has good, safe, convenient access to the road network

+ is coveniently located for schools and other community facilities

+ does not visually encroach into the open countryside

The application will be heard by South Kesteven District Council’s development control committee as a later date.