Residents show objections to gypsy plans (From Malvern Gazette)

Residents show objections to gypsy plans

12:02pm Wednesday 29th July 2009 in News

RESIDENTS have objected in their droves to plans for a gypsy caravan site in Leigh Sinton.

More than 100 members of the public have made their feelings clear on an application which would see 10 mobile homes, 10 touring caravan pitches, hardstanding and a sewage treatment plant on the corner of Lower Howsell Road and Malvern Road.

Objections included that the development would be contrary to the council’s policy of protecting the character of the open countryside, would lead to an increased scale of traffic generated in Lower Howsell Road, and would present site access problems.

Those emailing or writing to MHDC’s planning department also expressed worries about the site’s trees being removed, the effect on appearance of the village’s skyline, and whether an influx of children would be detrimental to Leigh and Bransford Primary School.

They included Patricia Bernard, from Leigh Sinton, who said: “Any developments on the land between Leigh Sinton and Malvern will lead to a loss of identity. We are not and would not ever want to be a suburb of Malvern.”

Hannah Fisher, from Malvern, said she knew the Romany-Gypsies required suitable sites for sustaining their communities, but that, among other problems, there were inadequate services for them in the village.

Peter Norbury, also from Malvern, said that the village had been left with “strong anti-gypsy views” following an unauthorised encampment last year.

“To have 10 such sites foisted on us would be a travesty of local democracy,” he added.

Maggie Smith-Bendell, liaison officer of the Romany-Gypsy Advisory Group, which is supporting the application, said: “We are desperate to get somewhere for people to live. We’re not doing it to upset people and get back at anyone.

“We want the same as anyone else; health care, education and clean water.”

Mrs Smith-Bendell said she wanted to view the residents’ objections before she commented on them directly, but said she felt they may have been based on prejudice due to their sheer number .

The application will come before Malvern Hills District Council later in the year.