Traveller submits plans for more caravans (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Traveller submits plans for more caravans

10:30am Friday 21st September 2012 in News

PLANS have been submitted for a five-pitch travellers’ site in Great Bentley.

Roy Smith wants to continue using two existing caravans and provide three new pitches on land behind Woodfield Bungalow in Colchester Road.

The blueprints for the 0.75 hectare site also include plans for commercial vehicle sales, servicing and valeting.

Mr Smith is head of an extended traveller family, which has lived at the site since 1988.

A planning statement on behalf of Mr Smith by NWA Planning, said: “It is Mr Smith’s intention that he and his wife will vacate the bungalow and relocate to one of the new caravan pitches.

“This will mean that the majority of residential units within the group will be occupied by members of the Smith family, which is recognised in government guidance as being appropriate on small sites and which can help to ensure that the site is managed in a responsible manner.

“The proposed development would provide a comprehensive solution to the development of this area, meet the need to provide appropriate traveller caravan sites, comply with the current enforcement notice requirements without the loss of employment or economic activity.”

Great Bentley parish councillor Peter Balbirnie said: “Mr Smith has been there for years and he has his sons there.

“It’s one of the better sites as its in a secluded site. This will help towards Tendring Council’s need to allocate a certain number of travellers site and I don’t have any great problem with it.”

Tendring Council is expected to make a decision on the application by October 31.