What ?

Residents in the area around Rangeworthy, Wickwar and Hall End have been horrified to learn about proposals to put Gypsy and Traveller site in the middle of this rural area. The proposals affect the Ladden Brook valley, a rural area to the north of Yate, Brimsham, and Chipping Sodbury

South Gloucestershire County Council have spent your money over the last 6 years opposing other planning applications for the same sites. What they are proposing now is a complete U-turn on policy.

The proposals are contrary to Government guidelines on the location of Gypsy and Traveller sites. These guidelines recommend the selection of sites that are close to buses, schools, shops, GPs, etc and for the sites to encourage integration with the local community as a key part of local council strategy. This site's remoteness alone is contrary to 7 of the 23 recommendations made in the Goverment guidelines.

Where ?

The proposed sites are at (A) Homefield, Hall End (about half way between Rangeworthy and Wickwar) and (B) Tanhouse Lane, Rangeworthy (less than 2 miles to the south)

How Big is "a pitch" ?

South Gloucestershire regard a "pitch" as typically 3 structures. A residential caravan, a touring caravan and a "day room". There is no real limit to the size of a pitch, The only definition is that it is the accomodation and area occupied by a single extended family - each pitch could accommodate 3 generations of an extended family. once occupied, the residents could easily expect to add more structures. That would be a huge number of people vehicles (some commercial) and animals going up and down the neighbouring lanes!!! Have a look at the picture on the right showing a single family site in Hampshire. Click on it to have a closer look. Then multiply that by the number of pitches in each case to see how many units each application wants.

Gypsy site, The Lakes, Swanmore   © Copyright Peter Facey and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

When ?

The times are all summarised in the calendar page. Specific times are re-emphasised in the text at various pages on this web site.

Latest

The Hall End Action Group are calling for a Judicial Review of the decision at Homefield. This is a legal challenge to the planning permission. We've started the review stage, which is a precursor to the official process. When this is lodged, the council will be presented with a Pre Action Protocol (identifies the legal challenge) to which they have to respond.

The site at Tanhouse Lane was only put forward by the council on Monday 15th June 2009. The period for comments lasted until Monday 13 July 2009 so officially this is closed. Don't let that put you off, if you haven't objected yet, please do so.

We met with Steve Webb MP and discussed our issues with the process and the decision reached. Steve sent us a summary of what he proposed to do. This included attempting to raise the issue in parliament, which he did, resulting in a debate in Westminster Hall on 14th July. We are very disappointed with the government response and urge you to let the respondent know.

We also met with Matthew Riddle (con) and discussed our issues with him. As yet,we have had no further inout from Matthew.

We are planning to hold a social evening at some point in the future. We are aiming for this to be a fund-raising event, All contributions/help with this welcome. Let us know what you can offer.

The action group continually need funds, particularly to help with the legal challenge above.. If you or a friend can afford to contribute a little more this will be more than welcome. Cheques should be made payable to Hall End Action Group and sent to the HEAG.c/o Hall End Cottage, Hall End, GL12 8PD

Make sure we have your contact details.

What can we do about it ?

We have been advised by a planning consultant that we need to fight TWO issues.

• Planning application PK08/2703/F
  We are advised that the application now goes to committee - there was a site visit on 12th June am which was attended by about 130 objectors. There will be a committee meeting 25th June at 3pm in Kingswood, Bristol. Please keep this date free so that you can attend. To make sure a clear message is received by the committee members, we have written to them on your behalf, and have elected our planning consultant to speak on our behalf (he only has a few minutes to make our point. Anything else has to rely on the number of you who turn up.
  
  
• South Gloucestershire Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document (DPD)
  - consultation on this officially started on 6-Nov-2008 and lasts for 12 weeks. There were 3 "exhibitions" offered by the council, all have now been held. An additional 2 sites have been earmarked within 2 miles of Homefield. Fast money for the landowners, concerned if they can get their site accepted, but totally inconsiderate to the community.
  

We urge you to object to both of the issues.