New Traveller site plans cause growing concerns - Somerset

From the Weston Mercury

DOZENS of objectors to a proposed new Traveller site in Weston have voiced their concerns after a planning application was formally submitted.

The disused railway at Old Junction Yard in Winterstoke Road is being considered as the spot for the new site. This week, planning documents have been submitted to North Somerset Council by Elim Housing to create 24 affordable, permanent pitches.

Weston residents registered official objections on the authority’s website and council officers have already had to remove some comments from the site, due to their ‘sensitive’ nature.

One of the objectors, Sally Sommerfield, of Hamwood Close, said: “I object to the Travellers’ site as it is near to extremely busy main roads, would create more problems with heavy traffic and more danger for pedestrians. Also, it would be near to the main railway line and this would cause noise and pollution for the site.

“It is in an area where there are many factories and industries which cause noise, pollution and heavy traffic already, and the site is a long way from the shops and other amenities, including doctors’ surgeries and schools.”

Roger Salter, of Dunster Crescent, said: “There is too much pressure already on local facilities - shops, schools, roads etc. This extra burden, if allowed, could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”

Most of the objections suggest the site is inappropriate due to noise pollution, contaminated land and a lack of amenities.

Elim Housing, in its design and access statement, said: “The aim is to provide a well designed, neat and attractive site for gypsy and Traveller families to settle within Weston. It is designed to facilitate effective site management to safeguard the living environment for the residents on the site and those within the locality.”

However, Joanne Hughes, of Manor Farm Crescent, said: “This is not an acceptable site for any human being to live in.”

As well as residents, Avoncrest, a company in the process of securing permission for developing neighbouring land from the council, has also registered an objection.

In a letter written to the council, Pat McDonagh, of Avoncrest Developments, suggests they were under the impression the site would only hold 12 pitches.

Mr McDonagh said: “As the scheme has doubled in size and clearly could expand again we feel this is not appropriate for the area and certainly not for our site’s future.”

He goes on to suggest other developments in the area, such as the old airfield site, would be impacted. He said: “I would estimate some 1,500-plus jobs eventually and all this could be jeopardised by this planning proposal.”

The authority’s flood risk management team carried out an assessment of the site, and also decided additional drainage details must be supplied and approved in writing by council bosses before any construction is carried out.

Consultation will end next week.