Pilgrims Hatch: Row as traveller looks set to stay

PLANS to allow a traveller to keep his home on green belt land in Pilgrims Hatch are set to be approved by Brentwood Council.

Council staff have recommended plans to allow a traveller to stay at his site in Beads Hall Lane, Pilgrims Hatch, for three years, prompting concern from councillors and residents.

William Eastwood has applied to permanently keep his mobile home at the site, and is also looking for permission to build a stable and a day room.

The application comes as the Government has told the council to provide 15 new plots for travellers by 2011, which the council is considering in its Gipsy and Travellers Development Plan Document (DPD).

The Beads Hall Lane site is one of those being considered by the council in its DPD.

A report to the council said temporary permission for the site could be justified on green belt land while it makes a decision where the 15 plots will be located.

The report states: "The current unmet need for pitches and provision of the application site as one of the council's preferred gipsy and traveller sites constitute a very special circumstance which justifies granting planning consent for the proposed development."

Ten residents have written to the council opposing the plans.

Their objections include the site's green belt status and that there are already stables within 50 metres of the site.

They also say any new buildings would damage the appearance of the area.

Liberal Democrat councillor David Kendall said a number of residents were worried about the proposal to keep the site on green belt land.

He said: "People are very concerned about the fact the resident has asked for permanent planning permission on green belt land.

"We're listening to their concerns and we will be making representations at the council meeting next week."

The planning and development control committee will consider the application on Wednesday, September 2.