Major fears after static homes move onto Travellers' site - Essex

From the Basildon Recorder

FEARS are growing that a Travellers site in Thundersley could become permanent after two static homes were seen moving in.

Residents spotted Travellers moving static mobile homes on to Janda Field, in Fane Road.

Up until now, the Travellers have only had wheeled caravans on site.

Residents said they were outraged the Travellers had put static homes on the green belt site when they had been told it was not allowed.

Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Local Government, has yet to make a decision about whether the Travellers can stay on Janda Field.

Castle Point Council turned down Miles and Michael McCarthy’s permanent plans for a three-pitch site in December last year.

The application sparked fears it could lead to the borough’s own version of Dale Farm.

The decision was referred to a planning inspector and the council and Travellers fought it out in May.

But following an announcement in Parliament about protecting green belt land, the appeal was instead referred to Mr Pickles.

The final decision is due at any time.

Dave Blackwell, of Castle Point Council, hit out at Mr Pickles for dragging his feet.

He said: “I’m not surprised residents are getting frustrated.

“He just can’t seem to make his mind up what to do.

“When it comes to the crunch, it seems Mr Pickles doesn’t want to take action, which sends out the wrong message.”

Residents watched on yesterday as the second of two static caravans was put on to the site.

One resident, of Great Burches Road, said: “There are two very large mobile homes now. The second was only moved on there this afternoon.

“These are permanent homes and they have not got permission to live there.

“We’re still waiting for this decision and we just don’t know what’s going on anymore.

“Residents’ properties have gone down in value since they have been there.

The council won’t allow anyone else to build on the land and yet these Travellers are just living there.”

Castle Point Council said it was unable to take any action until the Government’s decision had been reached.

A spokeswoman said: “The Secretary of State has still not made a decision, but it is expected any time.

“We need to wait until the decision has been made because it will have an affect on what the council can do.”