Object

Gypsy and Traveller Site Options

Representation ID: 54673

Received: 03/08/2013

Respondent: heidi bottomley

Representation Summary:

About to purchase a house that backs on to the proposed site but would feel vulnerable and afraid if it goes ahead. Wholly opposed due to:
impact on property values/cause negative equity. No convenient access to GP surgeries
Poor road access/turning space /parking etc. no pavements or street lighting, so unsafe/unsuitable for children to play. No provision for toilet facilities, waste disposal etc. Create noise and disturbance in peaceful, rural area/ environment. Local primary school is full. Impact on landscape character of the area. Local opposition means the travelling community would be ostracised. Crime rates (burglary) are higher near such sites. Social housing could be made available.

What is the council's legal position on compensating the home owners nearby?

Full text:

I am currently about to purchase a house in Norton Lindsey which backs on to the proposed gyspy /traveller community site.
I am wholly opposed to this on the following grounds, as detailed by the council's own policy criteria:
Please note, I am also now wary of buying the property as It is an unfortunate fact that the proximity to the site will lower the value of the house, possibly causing negative equity.
1. The site , on a minor B road, does not have convenient access to GP surgeries, offer safe access to road networks or turning space /access/parking etc
2. There is no provision for toilet facilities, waste disposal etc
3. It would add to noise and disturbance in a very peaceful, rural area and have an adverse impact on important features of the natural, rural environment.
4. The local primary school, I am told, is full and over-subscribed at present.
5. The site would not be well integrated into the landscape without harming the character of the area
6. Local opposition is such that in such a small, rural community, the travelling community would be at once on the doorstep of their neighbours but also ostracised.

I would very much like to know when the final decision about this site is to be made as I am set to exchange contracts in two weeks. I will pull out of the purchase if the site is to be used for this purpose. I am a single parent living alone with two young sons; I am sure that most travellers live quiet, socially responsible lives but I am concerned that my back garden has open access and is adjacent to the proposed site and I would feel vulnerable, I'm afraid.
Unfortunately, my relatives in the local police force say crime rates - burglary in particular are higher near such sites.

I know there is huge local opposition to this site and hope you are able to bear in mind my practical and other objections. Personally, it doesn't make sense that the council has to make provision for people who choose a travelling lifestyle when social housing could be made available.

If no decision is reached and I go ahead with my house purchase, what is the council's legal position on compensating to the home owners nearby, please?

PS In addition, the site , adjacent to a road and with no pavements or street lighting, is unsafe and unsuitable for children to play.