You may remember that last year the District Council refused permission for a traveller site on the A1245.
The refusal was moved by Chris Black and seconded by Jackie Dillnutt, on grounds of a) impact on the openness of Green Belt b) highways safety c) lack of nearby amenities.
We have just been advised that the applicants have gone to appeal:
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (APPEALS)
(INFORMAL HEARING PROCEDURE) RULES 2000
SITE AT:- Cherry Hill Farm – Land Opposite, Witherdens Farm,
Chelmsford Road, Rawreth, Wickford, Essex
LPA REFERENCE NO:- 10/00582/COU
APPEAL REFERENCE:- APP/B1550/A/11/2151221/NWF
PLANNING APPEAL BY:- Messrs Smith And EastwoodPROPOSAL Change Use of Site to Provide 12 No. Residential
Travellers Caravans and Retain Existing Access.
I would be very concerned if this is approved on appeal!!!
Access onto the A1245 at this point, an already busy dual carriageway, would be extremely dangerous.
The threat to our gradualy reducing Greenbelt seems to be increasing.
Why do “travellers” need a permanant residential site?
If we are not to have more illegal sites springing up adhoc, then I do feel provision should be made for the travellers to stay, temporarily, on their travels.
These sites should include toilets, maybe even a shower block, for which a rental charge be made by the local authority. A time limit should be set for length of stay, & enforcement arrangements in place if this is breached.
Surely it’s not beyond most local authorities powers to provide at least one such site, for the benefit of both traveller & settled community?
We simply cannot continue with the present situation which is causing aggravation all round.
A case of that old fashioned commodity, common sense?
Enforcement? It is my understanding that the current semi-permanent homes on this site did not have planning permission? Why haven’t these so called “travellers” been evicted for the existing breach of planning consents?
The existing breach must be dealt with first before any right of appeal.
I would urge all to write to RDC to object on two grounds ,1.Greenbelt and effect on the landscape.2.The dangerous egress and ingress onto the A1245 ,there are daily incidents of U turns at Bedloes traffic lights .Do write do not leave it to others .RDC Officers need written evidence to defend their case against what are usually highly efficient Lawyers representing the “travelling” community .