Bishop Auckland Traveller site to grow - County Durham

From the Northern Echo

A LONG-established Traveller site is to be refurbished and expanded, despite some concern from neighbours.

A Gypsy Roma Traveller site was established off Green Lane in Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in 1982 and currently has 21 pitches.

Durham County Council, which has a duty to provide Traveller sites, today (Tuesday, December 3) agreed to refurbish and expand the facility to include 25 pitches, a warden’s office, children’s play area and community building.

The site will move slightly northwards, to a 12-acre plot, taking it out of the flood zone of the River Gaunless.

Senior planning officer Peter Herbert told a meeting of the council’s county planning committee at Durham’s County Hall it was a sustainable location and the project would significantly improve the appearance of the area and living conditions for the Travellers.

Some residents raised fears over increased noise and crime.

However, Councillor Joy Allen, who represents Bishop Auckland, said their concerns had been addressed well by officers and proposed planning permission should be granted.

Her motion won unanimous support from the committee.

Mr Herbert said efforts were being made to establish a post code for the new site, so Travellers’ mail did not go astray.

The council owns six Traveller sites across the county. Two have been refurbished over the past five years and funding has now been secured to improve the remaining four.