Caravan site proposals expected to be rejected
COUNCILLORS were today expected to refuse plans for a caravan site near Next’s headquarters.
Aaron Smith, of Romany Homes, has applied to develop a four-acre site off Beggars Lane, Enderby, with 15 pitches and an amenities block.
An identical scheme was approved by Blaby District Council in 2015 but no work was carried out and the permission expired after three years.
The fresh application has been recommended to be rejected when the council’s planning committee discusses it tonight.
Planning officials said they have not been presented with enough evidence to demonstrate the proposed occupant are gypsies or that there will be adequate drainage.
Blaby District Council does not publish objection letters it receives about planning applications in the way other authorities do.
However, it has summarised the concerns raised about the application from people in the area.
There have been 28 letters of objection sent to council planners.
Among concerns raised are that the site would add to traffic congestion in a busy area, particularly at rush-hour, raising the risk of accidents.
Residents have also suggested it would devalue properties in the 4,500-home New Lubbesthorpe development now under construction.
Noise fears have been expressed and objectors said the development would spoil the rural nature of the area.
A council report also said that some people object on the grounds there could be additional crime and fly-tipping.
A planning spokesman said: “The information submitted to date does not establish the gypsy/traveller status of the applicants or proposed occupiers.
“Accordingly, there is currently insufficient evidence to satisfactorily demonstrate the proposed occupants of the application site are gypsies or travellers when assessed against the planning tests.
“Therefore, the granting of planning permission in this instance would be tantamount to allowing unrestricted residential development in the countryside.”