Bid for new gypsy and traveller site outside Surrey village
A bid for a new gypsy and traveller site on the outskirts of a Surrey village has been submitted alongside criticism the council is failing to provide enough designated land for families.
The applicant claims that providing enough traveller sites will stop unauthorised encampments.
The proposed traveller site would be on land next to Steeple Farm, nearby St Bartholomew Church in Burstow.
The scheme would create six pitches for a local travelling family, providing them with a permanent base where none currently exists.
According to the planning documents, the family behind the scheme have strong local ties continue to travel for economic reasons, maintaining their gypsy status.
But the applicant states they have never had a settled base and have moved from site to site throughout their lives.
Planning documents state: “It is important that, although it is understood that Gypsy status means continuing a nomadic lifestyle, this can be done whilst also having a stable base.
“A person cannot enrol in school or for medical services without a permanent address.”
It continued: “The applicant has always lived in a caravan or mobile home and is fiercely proud of their Gypsy upbringing and heritage and is resolute to maintain and continue their travelling lifestyle for their family so as to reflect the manner in which they were brought up.”
Tandridge District Council currently cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of gypsy and traveller pitches, according to planning documents, and there are no suitable alternative sites in the area.
The council is working on its Local Plan (a planning rulebook to decide what development goes where) which will identify appropriate sites for gypsy and traveller accommodation.
The applicant argues the site is grey belt (previously developed land) within the green belt and is screened by a line of trees.
The site would include parking, landscaping, hardstanding, and electric vehicle charging points, with caravans designed to fit sympathetically into the surrounding area.
Not everyone will agree: Green Belt campaigners have previously warned that any new development risks harming the countryside’s openness.
But the applicant argues that providing enough traveller sites will minimise the risk of illegal encampments and unauthorised developments, reducing the risk of anti-social behaviour.
Residents can comment on the application until December 15, with a council decision hopefully due before Christmas.