From the Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Council bosses are to get tough over Travellers.
They plan to look at a new way of dealing with Travellers by making potential sites even more secure.
And that is likely to mean fences and barriers on playing fields and other sites.
Clr Steve Sweeney said: “On several occasions recently Travellers have arrived at sites in Calderdale causing a nuisance.
“Once Travellers have left the site we are also responsible for clearing any rubbish which has been left and this can have significant costs.
“We’re undertaking a review of our procedures for tackling this problem, but prevention is clearly the best option. We are assessing all of our vulnerable sites to see what measures can be put in place to deter Travellers.
“We will take reasonable care and act within the law, but we will also be firm where necessary to minimise disruption and nuisance to communities.”
Friday, 25 October 2013
Gipsy site behind Shenleybury Cottages in Radlett seeks permission to expand - Hertfordshire
From the St Albans and Harpenden Review
Residents are concerned the value of their houses might plummet as a Gypsy site in Radlett seeks planning permission to triple in size.
Travellers occupying Woodland Yard behind Shenleybury Cottages in Radlett are asking Hertsmere Borough Council for permission to add an extra three pitches to the one currently in place.
This will include four static caravans, four touring caravans, eight parking spaces and associated infrastructure.
The application is being carried out on behalf of the current owner of the site, Mrs M Cash, by Joseph Jones of Buckingham-based firm BFSGC, to accommodate "small" numbers of the Cash family.
The site caused controversy when Hertsmere Council lost an appeal in 2011 to prevent its previous owner submitting retrospective planning permission after she moved her caravan onto the site.
The result came after a Government inspector concluded it was an "excellent site".
In 2011 members of the public objected strongly to the Gypsy site, which is on greenbelt land, complaining about noise, destruction of wildlife and dogs roaming the streets at all hours.
They are now concerned these problems will only worsen when the Travellers site expands.
Mark Blundell, chairman of the Action Group for Safer Shenley, said in 2011 the decision to grant planning permission would "open the floodgates to other Gypsy families."
He said: "I cannot believe this is happening again.
"The whole thing is wrong, it is a disgrace. This is green belt land and it should not be built on.
"The site was wholly unsuitable for one Travellers’ site. It is far too small for the extra pitches.
"Local residents are up in arms about this.
"Three houses back onto the site. There will be room for 16 people at least if permission is granted, think of how noisy it is going to be."
He said he had heard of at least 10 or more letters of objection being sent in by residents, who are expected to put up a fight.
The resident of Shenleybury Farm Cottages added: "The council let us down in losing the appeal and letting the Gypsies occupy this site, hopefully it will not be so inept as to let it happen again."
A resident of Shenleybury Cottages, who did not want to be named, said she was worried more Travellers moving in would mean she would never be able to sell her house.
She said: "This is life threatening for me. I’m getting on but I’ll never be able to sell my house and downsize because no one will buy it if more Travellers move in.
"I just want the space left as green belt.
"It’s causing me a lot of stress and anxiety which is affecting my health."
However Mr Jones said the number of Travellers who would occupy the site would be small and would cause minimal disruption.
He said: "Local residents object to everything, it’s just a case of nimbyism.
"I’ve drawn up the plans and the site will fit into that space. The extra pitches will only be used by members of the Cash family and will cause minimum disruption.
"There are nowhere near enough pitches in Hertsmere, with 30 people applying for each one, this site needs to be used.
"The previous owner was forced to sell because of all the bad blood between her and local residents.
"Hopefully local people will be more circumspect this time."
Residents are concerned the value of their houses might plummet as a Gypsy site in Radlett seeks planning permission to triple in size.
Travellers occupying Woodland Yard behind Shenleybury Cottages in Radlett are asking Hertsmere Borough Council for permission to add an extra three pitches to the one currently in place.
This will include four static caravans, four touring caravans, eight parking spaces and associated infrastructure.
The application is being carried out on behalf of the current owner of the site, Mrs M Cash, by Joseph Jones of Buckingham-based firm BFSGC, to accommodate "small" numbers of the Cash family.
The site caused controversy when Hertsmere Council lost an appeal in 2011 to prevent its previous owner submitting retrospective planning permission after she moved her caravan onto the site.
The result came after a Government inspector concluded it was an "excellent site".
In 2011 members of the public objected strongly to the Gypsy site, which is on greenbelt land, complaining about noise, destruction of wildlife and dogs roaming the streets at all hours.
They are now concerned these problems will only worsen when the Travellers site expands.
Mark Blundell, chairman of the Action Group for Safer Shenley, said in 2011 the decision to grant planning permission would "open the floodgates to other Gypsy families."
He said: "I cannot believe this is happening again.
"The whole thing is wrong, it is a disgrace. This is green belt land and it should not be built on.
"The site was wholly unsuitable for one Travellers’ site. It is far too small for the extra pitches.
"Local residents are up in arms about this.
"Three houses back onto the site. There will be room for 16 people at least if permission is granted, think of how noisy it is going to be."
He said he had heard of at least 10 or more letters of objection being sent in by residents, who are expected to put up a fight.
The resident of Shenleybury Farm Cottages added: "The council let us down in losing the appeal and letting the Gypsies occupy this site, hopefully it will not be so inept as to let it happen again."
A resident of Shenleybury Cottages, who did not want to be named, said she was worried more Travellers moving in would mean she would never be able to sell her house.
She said: "This is life threatening for me. I’m getting on but I’ll never be able to sell my house and downsize because no one will buy it if more Travellers move in.
"I just want the space left as green belt.
"It’s causing me a lot of stress and anxiety which is affecting my health."
However Mr Jones said the number of Travellers who would occupy the site would be small and would cause minimal disruption.
He said: "Local residents object to everything, it’s just a case of nimbyism.
"I’ve drawn up the plans and the site will fit into that space. The extra pitches will only be used by members of the Cash family and will cause minimum disruption.
"There are nowhere near enough pitches in Hertsmere, with 30 people applying for each one, this site needs to be used.
"The previous owner was forced to sell because of all the bad blood between her and local residents.
"Hopefully local people will be more circumspect this time."
Shropshire Gypsy site shortage to be revealed at inquiry
From the Shropshire Star
A shortfall in Gypsy sites in Shropshire should not signal a “free-for-all” for Travellers to set up home anywhere in county, a planning appeal will be told next week.
But the appeal into a controversial bid by a Traveller family to stay on land in Gobowen will also be told the site is the only one available to them because all sites run by Shropshire Council are full.
The appeal on Wednesday in Oswestry will be the second time Jerry and Michelle Berry have gone to appeal over their plans for land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club.
Submissions have been lodged by Shropshire Council outlining why the authority rejected the couple’s application for a chalet, a touring caravan and an amenity building at the site in May.
The council paper also says the authority is working to develop more Gypsy and Traveller sites in the county.
It says: “There is currently a shortfall in the site allocation for Gypsy and Travellers county-wide.
“However, the council is making significant in-roads into meeting this provision both in terms of decision taking and policy formulation.
“The assessed need over the period from 2007 to 2017 is 93 pitches for Gypsy and Travellers; to date the council has given consent for 40 pitches, some allowed on appeal. The outstanding demand is 53 pitches.
“Whilst the council acknowledges it has a shortfall, this factor should not result in a free-for-all. Checks and measures still need to be applied on a site-by-site basis.”
The submission says in the last 14 months the council has allowed 20 pitches and refused 13.
It adds: “This demonstrates that the council is exercising a judgement on a case-by-case basis and applying its policies. There is not a policy for approving everything in the light of the council’s shortfall in provision nor is the council refusing everything.”
In the applicants’ submission to the appeal hearing they say they have long standing connections to the area and were aware that the official sites run by the county council are full.
They further say the council has not been able to point to any suitable, available, affordable alternative sites in the area.
The planning appeal hearing will take place at the council offices in Castle View, Oswestry, on Wednesday, starting at 10am.
A shortfall in Gypsy sites in Shropshire should not signal a “free-for-all” for Travellers to set up home anywhere in county, a planning appeal will be told next week.
But the appeal into a controversial bid by a Traveller family to stay on land in Gobowen will also be told the site is the only one available to them because all sites run by Shropshire Council are full.
The appeal on Wednesday in Oswestry will be the second time Jerry and Michelle Berry have gone to appeal over their plans for land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club.
Submissions have been lodged by Shropshire Council outlining why the authority rejected the couple’s application for a chalet, a touring caravan and an amenity building at the site in May.
The council paper also says the authority is working to develop more Gypsy and Traveller sites in the county.
It says: “There is currently a shortfall in the site allocation for Gypsy and Travellers county-wide.
“However, the council is making significant in-roads into meeting this provision both in terms of decision taking and policy formulation.
“The assessed need over the period from 2007 to 2017 is 93 pitches for Gypsy and Travellers; to date the council has given consent for 40 pitches, some allowed on appeal. The outstanding demand is 53 pitches.
“Whilst the council acknowledges it has a shortfall, this factor should not result in a free-for-all. Checks and measures still need to be applied on a site-by-site basis.”
The submission says in the last 14 months the council has allowed 20 pitches and refused 13.
It adds: “This demonstrates that the council is exercising a judgement on a case-by-case basis and applying its policies. There is not a policy for approving everything in the light of the council’s shortfall in provision nor is the council refusing everything.”
In the applicants’ submission to the appeal hearing they say they have long standing connections to the area and were aware that the official sites run by the county council are full.
They further say the council has not been able to point to any suitable, available, affordable alternative sites in the area.
The planning appeal hearing will take place at the council offices in Castle View, Oswestry, on Wednesday, starting at 10am.
Gypsy family to 'rise above' objections to field home bid - Gloucestershire
From the Gloucester Echo
A GYPSY family has said it will "rise above" a spate of objections to its bid to take up permanent residence on a Cheltenham field.
Lita Cox and her family want to call the Castle Dream Stud, in Mill Lane, their home, having occupied the site under temporary permission for two years.
But, residents have sent in a flurry of objections. One of their chief concerns is that approving the plan would harm the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and that more Gypsy families could flood on to the site.
Adam Gatier, planning agent for the Cox family, said many of the objections were "vexatious" and that his client would rise above them.
He said: "What the majority of objectors have failed to acknowledge is the obligations on the planning authority to make site allocations for the Traveller community in the same way they allocate mainstream housing sites."
A GYPSY family has said it will "rise above" a spate of objections to its bid to take up permanent residence on a Cheltenham field.
Lita Cox and her family want to call the Castle Dream Stud, in Mill Lane, their home, having occupied the site under temporary permission for two years.
But, residents have sent in a flurry of objections. One of their chief concerns is that approving the plan would harm the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and that more Gypsy families could flood on to the site.
Adam Gatier, planning agent for the Cox family, said many of the objections were "vexatious" and that his client would rise above them.
He said: "What the majority of objectors have failed to acknowledge is the obligations on the planning authority to make site allocations for the Traveller community in the same way they allocate mainstream housing sites."
Crowds flock to Stow Fair - Gloucestershire
From the Tewksbury Admag
A BIG crowd of Gypsies and Travellers descended on Stow for the twice-yearly horse fair - in what could be the last event in its current home.
The sun shone as punters came to buy the selling horses, munch on hot dogs and enjoyed the many market stalls as well as catching up with old friends at the event today.
Field owner Walter Henry said it all went off without a hitch.
“There wasn’t a bit of trouble, everything went lovely, everything was beautiful,” he said. “It was very busy, there was a lot of people here today. There was a big crowd.”
It could be the last time the fair is held in the field near Maugersbury Road after developer JRN properties Ltd announced its plans to build a doctors surgery, five houses and 300-space car park.
Contracts have been exchanged for the purchase of the field, but the move is subject to gaining planning permission from Cotswold District Council (CDC).
The bi-annual Stow Fair has been held in the field in May and October since 1990.
A BIG crowd of Gypsies and Travellers descended on Stow for the twice-yearly horse fair - in what could be the last event in its current home.
The sun shone as punters came to buy the selling horses, munch on hot dogs and enjoyed the many market stalls as well as catching up with old friends at the event today.
Field owner Walter Henry said it all went off without a hitch.
“There wasn’t a bit of trouble, everything went lovely, everything was beautiful,” he said. “It was very busy, there was a lot of people here today. There was a big crowd.”
It could be the last time the fair is held in the field near Maugersbury Road after developer JRN properties Ltd announced its plans to build a doctors surgery, five houses and 300-space car park.
Contracts have been exchanged for the purchase of the field, but the move is subject to gaining planning permission from Cotswold District Council (CDC).
The bi-annual Stow Fair has been held in the field in May and October since 1990.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Time for a Lewisham Travellers Site - London
From Transpontine
The shocking case of children being snatched by the state from their own parents in Ireland (and the accompanying press coverage) has highlighted the racism faced by Romani Gypsies and Travellers. The rush of the tabloids to imply that Travellers across Europe are going around stealing pretty blonde children reminded me of the medieval blood libel that the Jews were sacrificing young Christians. Seemingly Roma families aren't allowed to have blonde-haired, blue-eyed children - presumably this is a privilege reserved for pure Aryan families only.
But what about locally? In the last week, a group of Travellers have set up camp in the Girton Road car park in Sydenham. Last month Travellers on the site of the demolished Catford Greyhound Stadium were served eviction notice, and Travellers were also evicted from a site in Crystal Palace. Travellers like these are being driven from pillar to post because of the lack of proper Travellers sites.
read more...
The shocking case of children being snatched by the state from their own parents in Ireland (and the accompanying press coverage) has highlighted the racism faced by Romani Gypsies and Travellers. The rush of the tabloids to imply that Travellers across Europe are going around stealing pretty blonde children reminded me of the medieval blood libel that the Jews were sacrificing young Christians. Seemingly Roma families aren't allowed to have blonde-haired, blue-eyed children - presumably this is a privilege reserved for pure Aryan families only.
But what about locally? In the last week, a group of Travellers have set up camp in the Girton Road car park in Sydenham. Last month Travellers on the site of the demolished Catford Greyhound Stadium were served eviction notice, and Travellers were also evicted from a site in Crystal Palace. Travellers like these are being driven from pillar to post because of the lack of proper Travellers sites.
read more...
Halifax council tightens security in bid to keep Travellers out - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Post
A YORKSHIRE council plagued by costly illegal Traveller encampments is planning to beef up security at vulnerable sites.
Calderdale Council in Halifax is forced to spend tens of thousands of pounds every year on security, legal and clean-up costs following unauthorised camps.
The authority is to review how it deals with the problem – and will consider whether to establish designated, authorised sites for gipsies and Travellers.
The council’s Cabinet member for communities, Councillor Steve Sweeney said: “On several occasions recently, Travellers have arrived at sites in Calderdale, causing distress to local people and leaving rubbish which can be costly to remove.
“So we are reviewing the way we deal with this problem. As part of the review we’ll be considering the merits of designated authorised sites, but our main focus is on how we work with the police to minimise the impact on communities when there are unauthorised encampments.
“Prevention is clearly the best option, so we have assessed all our parks and open spaces and will strengthen security at those that need it most.
“We will carry out any improvement works within our existing budget for managing parks and open spaces.”
Councillor Sweeney said the authority would act within the law but “will also be firm where necessary”.
He added: “We are assessing all of our vulnerable sites to see what measures can be put in place to deter Travellers.
“We have identified some funding which will be used to strengthen the security at those sites that need it most.
“It is important that we have a consistent and co-ordinated approach to unauthorised encampments, working closely with the West Yorkshire Police.
“We will take reasonable care and act within the law, but we will also be firm where necessary to minimise disruption and nuisance to our local communities.”
The council review of its Unauthorised Encampment Protocol will be considered by the Community Safety Partnership, which includes the police, fire and health services and Calderdale Council’s Cabinet. The review will begin in the winter.
In one recent incident, a group of Travellers took over a play area and sports field in Halifax. Caravans were parked up at Shelf Hall Park, Shelf in September.
A YORKSHIRE council plagued by costly illegal Traveller encampments is planning to beef up security at vulnerable sites.
Calderdale Council in Halifax is forced to spend tens of thousands of pounds every year on security, legal and clean-up costs following unauthorised camps.
The authority is to review how it deals with the problem – and will consider whether to establish designated, authorised sites for gipsies and Travellers.
The council’s Cabinet member for communities, Councillor Steve Sweeney said: “On several occasions recently, Travellers have arrived at sites in Calderdale, causing distress to local people and leaving rubbish which can be costly to remove.
“So we are reviewing the way we deal with this problem. As part of the review we’ll be considering the merits of designated authorised sites, but our main focus is on how we work with the police to minimise the impact on communities when there are unauthorised encampments.
“Prevention is clearly the best option, so we have assessed all our parks and open spaces and will strengthen security at those that need it most.
“We will carry out any improvement works within our existing budget for managing parks and open spaces.”
Councillor Sweeney said the authority would act within the law but “will also be firm where necessary”.
He added: “We are assessing all of our vulnerable sites to see what measures can be put in place to deter Travellers.
“We have identified some funding which will be used to strengthen the security at those sites that need it most.
“It is important that we have a consistent and co-ordinated approach to unauthorised encampments, working closely with the West Yorkshire Police.
“We will take reasonable care and act within the law, but we will also be firm where necessary to minimise disruption and nuisance to our local communities.”
The council review of its Unauthorised Encampment Protocol will be considered by the Community Safety Partnership, which includes the police, fire and health services and Calderdale Council’s Cabinet. The review will begin in the winter.
In one recent incident, a group of Travellers took over a play area and sports field in Halifax. Caravans were parked up at Shelf Hall Park, Shelf in September.
Gypsies hit back at Hartlepool Council over Hart site U-turn - County Durham
From the Hartlepool Mail
A TRAVELLERS’ organisation has hit back at Hartlepool Borough Council’s decision to rip up its planning blueprint to block a Gypsy site in Hart.
The Traveller Movement slammed the council after it agreed to scrap its Local Plan after previously assigning land at Hart to accommodate Gypsies and Travellers and examine if the town needs to provide any sites.
The group also singled out Hart ward councillor Paul Beck for criticism after he said the Gypsy sites proposed for Hart would “blight the whole ward”.
The Traveller Movement has lodged an official complaint to the council’s audit and governance committee and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission over Coun Beck’s comments.
But Coun Beck insists he has nothing against Gypsies or Travellers and was merely backing his residents.
The Traveller Movement is a registered charity that aims to raise capacity and social inclusion of the Irish Traveller community in Britain.
Spokesman Mike Doherty said: “We are concerned and alarmed that Hartlepool Council is threatening to waste even more taxpayers’ money by ripping up their Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment.
“We would like to remind them that it is required to have such an assessment by law.”
Referring to Coun Beck, Mr Doherty added: “By calling a proposal for a legitimate authorised Traveller site a ‘blight’, Coun Beck has failed in his duties and responsibilities as an elected local government representative.
“In our book, it means a blemish, a disease or a corruption. Does this mean that Mr Beck considers Romany Gypsy or travelling people to be a disease?
“We would like to remind everyone that the proposal was only for six to eight pitches and that small family sites such as this are often a valuable part of the communities that they are embedded in.
“It is such a shame that the campaigners have succeeded in denying the chance of a home for one or two Gypsy and Traveller families when there is such an acute shortage of such accommodation in the UK as a whole.”
Coun Beck said he had “nothing whatsoever” against Gypsies, but said a site at Hart would have a major impact on the village and insisted he was representing residents’ views.
He said: “They are human beings and have got to live somewhere, but there is no demand in Hartlepool at the moment.
“The west site would be so visible from the main road. People would find it hard to sell their homes so in that sense it would blight the Hart ward.”
Coun Beck added: “I was brought up in a little village in Oxfordshire were there was a Gypsy and Traveller site within about a mile and I used to play on their land and got on great with them.
“I have got nothing against them whatsoever, all I’m doing is backing my residents.”
A council spokesman said: “This council is fully committed to diversity and equality and has absolutely no issue with the travelling community.
“However, the council’s new administration has made a firm commitment to make decisions which resonate with the people of Hartlepool.
“Having listened to widespread concerns expressed by local people about the proposed location of a Gypsy and Traveller site, the council is fully within its rights to withdraw the Local Plan and to revisit the matter of potential Gypsy and Traveller site provision to determine whether there is sufficient need and demand to provide a site at all.”
A TRAVELLERS’ organisation has hit back at Hartlepool Borough Council’s decision to rip up its planning blueprint to block a Gypsy site in Hart.
The Traveller Movement slammed the council after it agreed to scrap its Local Plan after previously assigning land at Hart to accommodate Gypsies and Travellers and examine if the town needs to provide any sites.
The group also singled out Hart ward councillor Paul Beck for criticism after he said the Gypsy sites proposed for Hart would “blight the whole ward”.
The Traveller Movement has lodged an official complaint to the council’s audit and governance committee and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission over Coun Beck’s comments.
But Coun Beck insists he has nothing against Gypsies or Travellers and was merely backing his residents.
The Traveller Movement is a registered charity that aims to raise capacity and social inclusion of the Irish Traveller community in Britain.
Spokesman Mike Doherty said: “We are concerned and alarmed that Hartlepool Council is threatening to waste even more taxpayers’ money by ripping up their Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment.
“We would like to remind them that it is required to have such an assessment by law.”
Referring to Coun Beck, Mr Doherty added: “By calling a proposal for a legitimate authorised Traveller site a ‘blight’, Coun Beck has failed in his duties and responsibilities as an elected local government representative.
“In our book, it means a blemish, a disease or a corruption. Does this mean that Mr Beck considers Romany Gypsy or travelling people to be a disease?
“We would like to remind everyone that the proposal was only for six to eight pitches and that small family sites such as this are often a valuable part of the communities that they are embedded in.
“It is such a shame that the campaigners have succeeded in denying the chance of a home for one or two Gypsy and Traveller families when there is such an acute shortage of such accommodation in the UK as a whole.”
Coun Beck said he had “nothing whatsoever” against Gypsies, but said a site at Hart would have a major impact on the village and insisted he was representing residents’ views.
He said: “They are human beings and have got to live somewhere, but there is no demand in Hartlepool at the moment.
“The west site would be so visible from the main road. People would find it hard to sell their homes so in that sense it would blight the Hart ward.”
Coun Beck added: “I was brought up in a little village in Oxfordshire were there was a Gypsy and Traveller site within about a mile and I used to play on their land and got on great with them.
“I have got nothing against them whatsoever, all I’m doing is backing my residents.”
A council spokesman said: “This council is fully committed to diversity and equality and has absolutely no issue with the travelling community.
“However, the council’s new administration has made a firm commitment to make decisions which resonate with the people of Hartlepool.
“Having listened to widespread concerns expressed by local people about the proposed location of a Gypsy and Traveller site, the council is fully within its rights to withdraw the Local Plan and to revisit the matter of potential Gypsy and Traveller site provision to determine whether there is sufficient need and demand to provide a site at all.”
£700k bill estimated to build new Travellers' site in Datchet - Berkshire
From the Royal Borough Observer
The Royal Borough looks set to spend around £350,000 for the groundwork of a new Gypsy and Traveller site with 10 pitches on land at Datchet Common, in Horton Road, Datchet.
A report outlining the process of how the site will be built will be discussed at a Royal Borough cabinet meeting tonight with councillors advised to approve freeing up the cash in a bid to receive match funding from the Homes and Community Agency.
The report stated: “The current estimated cost for developing the site prior to any procurement exercise is that the site development will cost £700k to include the hard standing and infrastructure required.”
Councillors are also advised to enter into a 99-year lease for the Mill Place land to receive rent of £30,000 a year.
Cabinet has also been recommended to extend the management agreement with Radian - who look after the adjacent Mill Place site - to cover the new pitches.
The planning application for the site was passed at a heated Windsor Urban Development Control panel meeting on Wednesday, October 9, as councillors overruled planning officers’ concerns about flood risk.
The plan could yet be called in by the secretary of state for communities and local government due to the land being deemed at risk of flooding.
The Royal Borough looks set to spend around £350,000 for the groundwork of a new Gypsy and Traveller site with 10 pitches on land at Datchet Common, in Horton Road, Datchet.
A report outlining the process of how the site will be built will be discussed at a Royal Borough cabinet meeting tonight with councillors advised to approve freeing up the cash in a bid to receive match funding from the Homes and Community Agency.
The report stated: “The current estimated cost for developing the site prior to any procurement exercise is that the site development will cost £700k to include the hard standing and infrastructure required.”
Councillors are also advised to enter into a 99-year lease for the Mill Place land to receive rent of £30,000 a year.
Cabinet has also been recommended to extend the management agreement with Radian - who look after the adjacent Mill Place site - to cover the new pitches.
The planning application for the site was passed at a heated Windsor Urban Development Control panel meeting on Wednesday, October 9, as councillors overruled planning officers’ concerns about flood risk.
The plan could yet be called in by the secretary of state for communities and local government due to the land being deemed at risk of flooding.
Arlesey Travellers apply for 14 new pitches in Hitchin Road - Bedfordshire
From the Advertiser
Plans to add 14 new pitches to a Traveller site in Arlesey have been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council.
Under the plans to extend the existing Twin Acres Traveller site in Hitchin Road, grazing land to the rear of the site would be used and a new communal space with amenities built.
A document submitted with the plan says: “Each pitch will accommodate a single-unit static mobile home, together with car parking for two vehicles.
“The proposal includes provision of an access road, laying of hardstandings, erection of a communal day room/amenity building, and provision of a central play area.”
It continues: “The proposed site extension would be largely screened from public view by frontage development and hedgerows along Hitchin Road.
“Landscaping would be provided in the form of hedge planting along the southern and western boundaries of the proposed caravan site extension.
“This would further assimilate existing and proposed development in to its landscape surroundings.”
It concludes: “The site access is an appropriate location for a Gypsy site, in a sustainable location, close to services and community facilities available in Arlesey.
“The site access has been accepted as being safe, and the site is not located in an area at high risk from flooding.
“There is substantial need for additional Gypsy sites in Central Bedfordshire to which the Secretary of State recently attributed considerable weight when granting temporary planning permission for six pitches in the green belt.
“The granting of permanent permission for the proposed site extension would help to meet the identified unmet need, and alleviate pressure on green belt sites.
“For the above reasons, planning permission should be granted.”
Responses from the public consultation on Central Bedfordshire Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan were due to be discussed by councillors on October 10.
However, council officers and members decided to delay announcing their changes to the plan after the Secretary of State granted on appeal temporary planning permission for six pitches at a site in Leighton Buzzard.
The council’s response is now expected in the new year.
Plans to add 14 new pitches to a Traveller site in Arlesey have been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council.
Under the plans to extend the existing Twin Acres Traveller site in Hitchin Road, grazing land to the rear of the site would be used and a new communal space with amenities built.
A document submitted with the plan says: “Each pitch will accommodate a single-unit static mobile home, together with car parking for two vehicles.
“The proposal includes provision of an access road, laying of hardstandings, erection of a communal day room/amenity building, and provision of a central play area.”
It continues: “The proposed site extension would be largely screened from public view by frontage development and hedgerows along Hitchin Road.
“Landscaping would be provided in the form of hedge planting along the southern and western boundaries of the proposed caravan site extension.
“This would further assimilate existing and proposed development in to its landscape surroundings.”
It concludes: “The site access is an appropriate location for a Gypsy site, in a sustainable location, close to services and community facilities available in Arlesey.
“The site access has been accepted as being safe, and the site is not located in an area at high risk from flooding.
“There is substantial need for additional Gypsy sites in Central Bedfordshire to which the Secretary of State recently attributed considerable weight when granting temporary planning permission for six pitches in the green belt.
“The granting of permanent permission for the proposed site extension would help to meet the identified unmet need, and alleviate pressure on green belt sites.
“For the above reasons, planning permission should be granted.”
Responses from the public consultation on Central Bedfordshire Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan were due to be discussed by councillors on October 10.
However, council officers and members decided to delay announcing their changes to the plan after the Secretary of State granted on appeal temporary planning permission for six pitches at a site in Leighton Buzzard.
The council’s response is now expected in the new year.
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