OFFICERS at Stratford District Council have earmarked for approval the traveller camp on the Redditch Road between Studley and Redditch.
The camp has already been established and the part retrospective application is for a ‘residential caravan site for two pitches for occupation by Gypsy Traveller Family with associated hard standing, package treatment plant, utility blocks, storage sheds and dog runs’.
The land in question lies in the Green Belt and at last night’s Studley Parish Council meeting (Tuesday, February 18) Councillors spoke of their disbelief that Stratford officers had recommended the plan for approval.
Coun Paul Beaman said it went totally against the District’s own core strategy of no development in the Green Belt and maintaining the separation between Redditch and Studley.
“It’s having a real impact on neighbours, there’s been noise nuisance and those nearby properties have already gone into negative equity,” he said.
“We have had several planning applications along Green Lane which have gone to appeal and been refused and therefore for District officers to go against the planning inspectors is astounding.
“If this application is approved then there are numerous sites across the District which would have no chance to be refused as this will set a precedent.
“There is a shortage of suitable sites but in my view they should be in a location which does not affect the Green Belt.”
Coun Adrian Smith added: “It seems that Studley is once again being the poor neighbours of Stratford.
“The officers’ recommendation flies in the face of local people who have been trying to get conversions done on buildings and which have been thrown out.”
In a further blow, Councillors heard that officers have also earmarked for approval plans to build six new homes on the site of Doric Works in Church Street – without the provision of any parking for them.
The verge outside the old factory is currently used for parking by the residents of the houses opposite.
Councillors believe that were the number of proposed houses in the development be cut to five enough parking places could be provided for all.
As it is they are predicting parking chaos should the plans go ahead.
Both applications are being heard this evening, Wednesday, February 19 at 6.15pm at the Council’s offices in Elizabeth Street, Stratford.
Studley Councillors will be speaking against both applications.
