Expansion of Mere traveller site attracts 130 objection letters
The plans will be considered by Wiltshire Council next week
A controversial extension to a traveller site is due to be considered by a planning committee after it received over 130 letters of objection.
The site in question is located just to the south of Mere, at The Stables, on Mapperton Hill, and belongs to the applicant, Mr Doe.
Permission was granted in 2015 for one “Romani Gypsy pitch and associated works”, and this latest application proposes 10 additional pitches.
According to the Wiltshire Council case officer, the plans received 130 letters of objection, with some individuals writing in multiple times.
Their concerns included the scale of the proposed development and the potential for additional pressure on local services.
However, the application argues that the existing screening and distance from neighbouring properties, combined with the proposed site layout, would ensure that the occupiers are provided adequate levels of privacy.
It adds that “given the pressing local and national need for gypsy and traveller pitches”, the application presents an opportunity “to meet some of this need without expense to anyone other than the applicant.”
The case officer report suggests the proposal be approved, given that the extension “will not have an adverse impact” on the landscape of the locality, nor on highways safety.
Wiltshire Council’s strategic planning committee will make its decision on Wednesday, July 10th.