Residents in a Nottinghamshire village say they are frustrated as a proposed traveller site was tipped for approval despite 60 objections. Plans were submitted earlier this year for a new residential caravans site at Chestnut Lodge, Balderton, which would have a total of 21 pitches and the construction of a five-bedroom home for the site manager.
An official decision will be made on Thursday, April 20, at Newark and Sherwood District Council's planning committee. It appears likely the application will be approved as the council's Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment found the district has “a significant unmet need for gypsy and traveller pitches."
Council documents also state "the net addition of 20 pitches proposed would contribute directly and indirectly to the significant unmet need of the Council’s five-year land supply and identified Gypsy and Traveller need over the plan period. This pitch contribution carries significant positive weight in favour of the proposal."
Do you think all residential roads should have a 20mph speed limit? Let us know
The council has also been considering other sites, such as as near Belvoir Iron Works and Winthorpe Road in Newark, to help create additional pitches. Applicant for the site, Mr Tom Holmes, is a traveller himself and would manage the site if it was approved.
He said: "We have come to a time where gypsy and travellers don’t want to stay on the local common or football playing field or even in a car park because those days are long gone, our community wants somewhere to call home, but because there aren’t enough Gypsy and Traveller sites in the area and because Newark is a travellers town and our people have lived here for centuries, it’s a place where travellers want to live.
However, residents in Balderton have expressed fears over the site and feel that it could diminish the standard of living for local residents, cause increased traffic on country lanes and lead to a loss of privacy and light pollution in the area. A 37 year old health and social worker said: "Obviously it's a worry and we only bought the house a few years ago here because it's quiet and out of the way and we have a nice view out of our window."
A 42 year old corporate trainer explained her main concerns was the additional traffic on Barnby Road. She said: "The road is obviously in rubbish condition and there are pot holes everywhere. With the train crossing being there and people coming down too fast there is a lot of traffic on this road and the road quality is awful."
She explained that she also has concerns about how close the site is to Barnby Road School, which already causes problems on the roads with dozens of cars in the morning and at pick up times. The mum added: "I get that there has to be spaces for them to live and nobody wants them on their doorstep but I think in front of a primary school is not the right place."
A retired 73 year old who did not wish to be named said: "I think my main concern is the traffic and the fact that to get into it I suppose they have to come this way round. They will be in and out as well as they will be working and have businesses.
"It is extremely busy along this road, especially when the school is out or in the morning, they all go down the road."
READ NEXT:
Businesses hope police scheme can protect them from 'scary' anti-social behaviour in town
'Small win' for families who lost loved ones in M1 tragedy as new smart motorways scrapped
Traders thousands of pounds out of pocket as fate of Victoria Centre Market still unknown
Life next to Nottinghamshire recycling centre with busy traffic
Police appeal after Nottingham city centre assault left person with 'broken jaw'
