Travellers’ site on edge of town ‘much needed’ as plans submitted
A field in Hinckley[1] could be turned into four ‘much-needed’ pitches for the travelling community. Applicant David Winter has submitted plans to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council[2] to build a small traveller site on land adjoining Newquay Close.
The plans say substantial planting and fencing would act as buffers between the site and nearby houses. Access to the site would be off the A47, with planning documents revealing the pitches would be big enough to fit a mobile home, a day-room and a touring caravan, along with parking for two vehicles. The plans also show a proposed play area and a bin store.
Documents submitted on behalf of the applicant by GT Planning read: “Included within the application is substantial planting which seeks to provide a buffer zone between the site and the existing residential housing and open space together with timber close boarded fencing between the pitches and to the boundaries.
“The site is within close proximity to existing residential housing, and within a relatively short distance of the town centre and schools making it a suitable and sustainable location. The pitches have been positioned to the rear of the site, avoiding any noise impact associated with the highway.”
A planning[4] statement included with the application confirms the council does not have an up-to-date Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment – which sets out the number of pitches that should be provided across the borough – and claims it should be updated every five years. The statement adds: “I would urge the Local Planning Authority to consider the application in light of the above and provide this much needed site for gypsy and traveller families.”
Planning documents can be viewed on the council’s planning portal, and comments and objections can be made about the application up until Thursday, August 3.
References
- ^ Hinckley (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Read the latest Leicestershire planning stories (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ planning (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)