Plan to set up traveller’s site on edge of village

REPORT SAYS THAT THE PROPOSED SITE IS NEAR SCHOOL AND PLOT FOR DETACHED HOUSES OR RETIREMENT HOMES

PLANS have been launched to build a travellers’ site between two picturesque East Staffordshire villages.

Eight acres of land south of Craythorne Road, between Rolleston and Stretton, is currently used for keeping horses.

And now plans have been submitted to use just under an acre for two traveller pitches.

They will allow two traveller families to live there in four caravans.

If approved by East Staffordshire Borough Council, the pitches would be sited near Craythorne Therapy and Small Animals Farm.

The application site is only about 200 metres outside Rolleston on Dove and less than 800 metres from John of Rolleston Primary School, in Chapel Lane, which also has a preschool in nearby School Lane.

Philip Brown Associates, acting on behalf of the applicant, has submitted the application and said in a report to the council: “The proposed development would involve the change of use of the existing hardstanding to include its use as a pitch for one gypsy family with two caravans, including no more than one static caravan/mobile home, and erection of a small ancillary amenity building.

“The proposed development would also include the formation of a second traveller pitch on land to the east of the access, accommodating two caravans, of which no more than one would be a static caravan/ mobile home, together with the laying of hardstanding and erection of a small ancillary amenity building.

“The vast majority of the applicant’s land holding would lie outside of the application site and, remain as grassland for the grazing of horses.”

The report added the site would be served by an existing entrance from Craythorne Road which claims benefits from good visibility due to the width of the nearside grass verge and, alignment of the highway.

Noting that the site is on the edge of Rolleston, the report said: “In this case, the application site is only about 200 metres outside Rolleston on Dove and less than 800 metres from Rolleston Primary School.

“It is also directly opposite a site approved for the development of three large detached houses or a development of 23 retirement bungalows and apartments.

“The proposed development, though outside of the development limits of Rolleston, is clearly not “away from” this settlement and, is not of a scale (two pitches) which would dominate Rolleston.

“The application site is, therefore, an appropriate location for a gypsy caravan site in principle.”

A decision is due to be made in the next few months.