Plans for new traveller site behind A12 petrol station
It would have pitches and space for up to 17 homes, including caravans and “static mobile homes”
Plans have been revealed for a new traveller site, just behind a petrol station off the A12, with pitches and space for up to 17 homes, including caravans and “static mobile homes”.
The proposals have been submitted to Colchester City Council, for the change of use of previously developed land to allow eight pitches for an extended Gypsy Traveller family to include eight “static mobile homes” and nine touring caravans on the land known as Spaniards Yard, just behind the Shell petrol station on the A12 near Marks Tey.
Plans state that some of the land is already being used for the siting of caravans for people who are “homeless and are unable to find alternative accommodation.” The plans also show that 21 parking spaces, a bin storage area, garden space, and fencing will be included in the development. The applicant, the Jim Doran family, states that there is “no alternative land available” and that they have “a demonstrable need for accommodation.”
The planning documents state: “A temporary site is being established in the northwest corner of the land. This will contain members of the Doran family who are homeless and are unable to find alternative accommodation.
“The only reason that a small area of land is being used to provide accommodation is because no alternative land is available. The reason that a planning application has not been submitted prior to the land’s occupation is because the applicant’s experience identifies that legal proceedings will be initiated by the local planning authority prior to the applications determination, that the application will not be determined and/or shall be refused.
“This is intended by some local planning authorities to cause excessive costs to the applicants and seek to negate a right of appeal to the Secretary of State, and not resolve the actual problem that there is a lack of accommodation available.
“Development of the site will provide much-needed accommodation. Access to the site is safe, and will not cause conflict with the petrol station use. The applicants have a demonstrable need for accommodation and their application meets the requirements identified in the Colchester local plan and planning policy for traveller sites 2023. The policy failure of the Colchester Council to have a five-year supply of Gypsy and or Traveller sites should be given significant weight, as should the personal circumstances of the applicants.”
A spokesman for Colchester City Council said: “Colchester City Council, in its role as the local planning authority, will carefully assess the proposed development at Spaniards Yard, Marks Tey, against relevant national and local planning policies. This includes a policy of the local plan, which outlines specific requirements for Gypsy, Traveller, and Travelling Showpeople sites.
“Policy states that sites should be located within reasonable proximity to existing sustainable settlements and should provide access to essential services such as shops, schools, and other community facilities. Furthermore, adequate space for vehicles and safe highway access must be ensured.
“The council will also consider guidance provided in the Government’s Planning Policy for Traveller Sites, which highlights key factors for evaluating such proposals. The application will be reviewed to determine whether it meets these criteria, alongside input from statutory consultees and the local community.
“The council acknowledges the importance of addressing the demonstrable need for Traveller accommodation and will carefully weigh this alongside all planning considerations. A decision on the application will be made following a thorough and impartial assessment process.”