Anger as residents claim work begins on Lytchett Minster traveller site before planning approval
MP Vikki Slade is demanding Dorset Council investigates and stops unauthorised development on a site in Lytchett
Residents in Lytchett Minster have accused developers of jumping the gun after apparent groundwork began on a proposed 14-pitch Traveller site, despite the scheme still awaiting planning approval from Dorset Council.
Locals claim utilities are being installed on the Green Belt field next to Slepe Mobile Home Park, where the applicant has applied to build pitches each containing a static caravan, touring caravan, day room, parking space, and electric vehicle charging point.
Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said she had been “inundated with concerns” from residents who believe unauthorised development is taking place.
She said: “I’ve contacted Dorset Council’s Planning Enforcement team to request an immediate stop order and investigation.
“The work being undertaken is just not acceptable. We raised this back in May when fencing first went up and have been challenging it ever since.
“This site is highly contentious. Single dwellings have been refused here before on the basis of road safety and the idea of multiple vehicle movements is entirely inappropriate.”
More than 90 objections have been lodged against the proposal, citing harm to the Green Belt, highway safety concerns, and potential damage to local heritage and wildlife.
Local residents who live at the neighbouring Slepe Mobile Home Park say fences went up, trees were felled, trenches were opened and a water main installed within days, and all while permission is still pending.
Dorset Council confirmed to residents via email that its enforcement investigation is “in abeyance” while the planning application remains under consideration, adding that site visits or enforcement action at this stage would be “disproportionate.”