Bovingdon threatened with second Gypsy site proposal from Chiltern District Council - Hertfordshire

From the Watford Observer

Just a week after Bovingdon residents heard they had avoided a proposed Gypsy site on Green Belt land, they have been hit with news of another potential site by a neighbouring council.

A piece of Green Belt land on the border of Bovingdon and Chesham has been put forward as a potential Traveller location by Chiltern District Council.

The site is located on the land off Rushmore Lane, Ashley Green, and is owned by Buckinghamshire County Council.

If the development was to go ahead Bovingdon would be affected as it is the nearest village with amenities. However, residents may not be aware of the proposals because they are a Chiltern District Council matter rather than one of Dacorum Borough Council.

Chiltern District Council said on their website: "It should clearly be noted that because the Council has identified a site as part of this process, it does not mean that the use of any of these sites should be considered acceptable in planning terms or negate the need for planning permission. "

The district council stated that unauthorised occupation of sites will be appropriately enforced.

The council's cabinet on Tuesday, August 27 agreed for the public participation on the site options for Gypsy, Traveller and travelling Show people accommodation.

Public participation will be carried out in accordance with the council’s Statement of Community Involvement and will run from September 2, 2013 to October 14, 2013.

In a statement released by Chiltern District Council, a spokesperson said: "The Ashley Green site is one of several potential options Chiltern District Council has included in its public consultation, and we are keen for people to let us have their views. The consultation will end on October 14, at 5pm. All written responses will be carefully considered, and will inform the next stages of the process. We are also asking for any suggestions for other possible sites.

"All local authorities are required by Government to identify in their local plans suitable sites for the travelling communities. Our current consultation is the initial step in complying with that duty. It should clearly be noted that because the council has identified a site as part of this process, it does not mean that the use of any of these sites should be considered acceptable in planning terms or negate the need for planning permission. Sites will only be considered acceptable once due processes have been completed and the best deliverable sites have been identified."

People can find out more about the consultation, and download a response form , by visiting www.chiltern.gov.uk