Travellers 'won't be able to get to proposed camp'

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a traveller camp to the north of Yate look set to be turned down because caravans might not be able to get to the site safely.

Planners said despite a "demonstrable need" for traveller sites not being met, they were not sure how the mobile homes would reach the unused farm in open countryside off Tanhouse Lane.

They would have to be taken along narrow country roads with tight junctions, sharp bends and hump-back bridges, while there was also concern about the site's access point and visibility.

Shannon Parks Ltd wants to use the agricultural land north of Leechpool Farm to provide 12 pitches and utility rooms, together with two transit pitches and a site manager's office.

The land had a former equestrian use and was initially put forward by the owner several years ago as a possible site for travellers when South Gloucestershire Council was drawing up potential areas to meet a demand for pitches.

More than 460 comments were received by the council when the formal application was made, with Rangeworthy Parish Council and neighbouring Yate Town Council joining hundreds of residents in opposing the scheme.

They said local roads were unsuitable for the increased traffic that would be generated and said a previous application for development on the site had been rejected on road safety grounds.

Rangeworthy councillors said there was "clearly no demand" for another traveller site in the area as a recently approved camp at nearby Hall End had been sold off for other purposes.

They also highlighted dangers to children from a nearby main railway line and said the camp would result in over-development in a rural area.

Yate Town Council also said allowing the pitches would affect a major house building scheme planned as a town extension – the site is just beyond a proposed new neighbourhood for North Yate – and lead to developers putting forward alternative sites for their houses.

Other objectors said nearby homes would be affected by the arrival of caravans and claimed there would be an increase in light pollution and noise.

South Gloucestershire planners said although the farm was not in the green belt, it was in a rural location where residential development was usually not permitted.

Planning officer Simon Penketh said: "The council recognises there is a demonstrable need for accommodation for gipsies and travellers in South Gloucestershire and that this need is not currently being met.

"The principle of the development is acceptable and this should be given considerable weight in determining this application."

But he said there were constraints, such as access concerns and a lack of detail on flood risks, which had to be considered and he is set to recommend refusal of the plan when councillors meet on Thursday.