Council rejects plan for traveller families' site

The proposal was recommended by officers for approval who said the benefits for providing to the traveller families outweighs the harm

Plans for a village caravan site to be used as a residential spot by up to four traveller families have been denied after more than 30 objections.

The plan to convert agricultural land off Lincoln Road, Glinton, near Peterborough, was recommended for approval but rejected at a city council planning meeting.

Objectors said travellers had been on the site since 25 May and since their arrival, residents had faced "continual intimidation, harassment and antisocial behaviour".

Planning officers said antisocial behaviour could not be considered as a reason for refusal but committee members argued the proposal would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area.

Proposals were submitted part-retrospectively and received 32 objections including those from Glinton parish council and ward councillors.

According to the design statement, each plot on the 'open countryside' site would have two caravans and existing access from Lincoln Road would be improved.

The land would become a residential caravan site for four Gypsy and traveller families, each with up to two caravans.

An officers' report recommended approval and said the benefits of providing the traveller accommodation outweighed any concerns raised.

It added there would be sufficient local services and community facilities within a reasonable distance.

Glinton councillor, Peter Hiller, told the meeting on Tuesday the applicant had not shown any "regard to our planning protocol by going ahead with the development".

He added if the proposal was accepted it would change the lives of residents.

Another objector said school children had been crossing at the busy A15 roundabout rather than using the route past the traveller site.

They also said neighbouring homes had been continually bombarded with noise, car horns, dogs barking and had rubbish and lumps of concrete hurled into their gardens.

Planning officers said the "perceived or alleged behaviour" of occupants was not material matter in a planning application which can only look at the land use.

Councillors on the committee went against the recommendation of their officers and unanimously rejected the proposal.

They said it conflicted with the council's planning policies, adding it would have an impact on the character of the area.