Gypsy site in Essex village given the go ahead
TAKELEY is set to get a travellers’ site after the district council gave it the green light.
Despite widespread opposition to the plans – 80 objection letters and a petition signed by 73 people – the planning committee approved plans for eight caravans on the site, which is currently used as a paddock off The Street.
The site will be occupied by the extended Gypsy families of Mr Jones, the applicant, who lives next door.
Nigel Brown, planning officer for the council, told the meeting the proposals address the shortfall of traveller accommodation in the district.
However, the site has only been given approval on a temporary basis for four years, raising concerns from some.
You may also want to watch:
Cllr Janice Loughlin said: “What concerns me is that in four years’ time, any families and especially children that would be living there, would then be wrenched up away from schools and other things.
“If they then refuse to go in four years’ time, we may have a mini Dale Farm on our hands.”
Most Read
- 1 Essex County Council approves council tax increase
- 2 Beavers help with Finchingfield's 'worst flood in 20 years'
- 3 Housing sites sought by Uttlesford District Council
- 4 Broomfield staff facing a 'battlefield scenario' in Covid fight
- 5 Hot lunches to support more vulnerable in community
- 6 Swan Inn customers support the foodbank
- 7 Try this at home: Chef Webb from MasterChef's latest recipe
- 8 Man jailed for at least 18 years after murdering partner out of jealousy
- 9 Sam Smith to headline charity festival fundraising to fight food poverty
- 10 Former POW camp on council heritage list
Takeley Parish Council raised its worries about the site being in the Countryside Protection Zone, as well as the possible loss of local amenities and problems with noise disturbance.
The application was approved conditionally, with 10 councillors voting for, two against and one abstaining.