From GetBucks
PLANS to potentially change land into a Traveller site have been scrapped after a couple bought the site.
The Lagger in Chalfont St Giles, one of 12 locations across Chiltern marked for possible Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Shoepeople sites by Chiltern District Council, will now be developed by farm owners.
Top Farm owners Kathy and Andy Douthwaite purchased the land south to them in a bid to develop it with potential community use of two barns and other structures onsite.
Mrs Douthwaite said: “We are trying to clear it up at the moment and hopefully get it together again. There are lots of challenges and work. It is very exciting in many ways.
“It has two significant barns. We are open to lots of ideas about how it can be used. We would be open to renting them out to the people who want to use them.
“There is an awful lot of potential to try and turn it round and put it back into use.
“I have thoughts about something the school children could access which could link with the animals. It is very early days.”
Villagers formed Chalfont St Giles Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) to fight the proposal of using the Lagger as a site.
“It aimed to protect the location’s green belt land and members believe a Travellers camp is not a suitable development for the area.
Chairman Tony O’Neil said: “This news will come as a great relief to all those in the village who have expressed real anxieties over this issue. It is the best Christmas present we could have hoped for.
“We wish the new owners well, and thank them wholeheartedly for what they have done to protect the local environment, and the peaceful rural nature of this area.
“I’d also like to thank all those who gave active support to this campaign, as well as all those residents who responded to the call for action by demonstrating their real concerns and submitting their comments as recommended to Chiltern District Council.”
Councillors have delayed plans to announce the sites for five weeks following a public consulation as they need more time for consideration.
They will be due for online viewing on January 13.
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