Travellers will have a new site in Gedney in spite of concerns about lack of amenities.
An application has been made to South Holland District Council for change of use of a paddock on land next to Hallgate Cottage fronting Roper’s Gate.
The proposal is to turn the grazing paddock into a permanent gypsy and travelling site, including two mobile homes and two touring caravans and the formation of improved access from Roper’s Gate.
Located in open countryside on the south side of Roper’s Gate, the site has been laid to grass and enclosed by post and rail fencing since May 2009. A mature hawthorne hedge forms the west boundary.
Concern the site was not within reasonable distance of local services had been expressed by the parish council.
District Coun Sarah Wilkinson also said she strongly objected to the plan. She said: “There is no immediate need for accommodation of this type.
“The location is outside of any serviceable area with regard to amenities or public transport.
“The highway infrastructure in this area is unsuitable for towing.”
Coun Roger Gambba-Jones reminded councillors they were required to provide sites for travellers.
He said: “Travellers and gypsies have privileged status. I’m not going into the rights and wrongs of this.
“You can’t look at this plan in the same way as one for the settled community.
“If this was an application for a house it would be a different matter.”
The plan was approved.