Action taken on traveller site breaches

ENFORCEMENT action on breaches of planning conditions has resolved issues at a controversial travellers’ site.

Residents had complained about apparent lack of action to remedy issues at Dalebrook Farm on the outskirts of Earl Shilton.

A hole had been dug and left gaping on a public right of way and hardstanding laid on an area outside of the approved location.

Caravans were also arriving on site, despite extension works not being complete.

The scheme, approved by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council in December 2015, amidst public protest, allowed for an additional 10 pitches on the land, bringing the total to 20.

A series of conditions were imposed setting out where development such as hardstanding for access and pitches could be laid, establishment of screening boundary hedging and safeguarding of the public right of way.

Just a week ago one resident complained to The Hinckley Times about the area being a “blight” as you approach Earl Shilton with families arriving unchecked and apparent lack of corrective action.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The impression we were under was that when planning permission was granted it was going to be a proper site, screened from the road and tidy.”

A spokesman for the council said monitoring was continuing and added: “The hole has now been filled in. Officers met with the landowner last week and set out the required steps needed in order to bring the site in line with the approved planning permission.

“The landowner has confirmed that these steps will be complied with in the next couple of weeks. More vans have arrived, however the landowner has asked the current occupants to leave the site.”