Campaigners In Haddenham Are Celebrating After Controversial Plans For Traveller Site Are Refused

CAMPAIGNERS in Haddenham were celebrating this week after controversial plans for a new traveller's site in the village were thrown out.

Council members voted overwhelmingly to reject the plans for a second time on Wednesday (June 10) stating that there was 'no established need' for a site of its size in the village.

The application submitted, through Parkin Planning Services, requested the change of use of a former builder's yard on Hod Hall Lane into a traveller's site, housing three caravans and a utility block.

Speaking at the meeting Cllr Bill Hunt, said: "This isn't application for one pitch it is an application for three, and frankly I think it insults my intelligence and the intelligence of everyone on the committee to suggest otherwise."

A previous application for the site was rejected due to its excessive size back in January but applicant Parkin Planning Services subsequently submitted scaled-down plans in March to try and appease the council's worries.

Many residents suggested however, that the plans had seen little change since their last refusal. In a statement to the council, the resident's group said: "You have noted in your executive summary that few changes have been made to the previous application. It is now an application for one pitch, but is clearly a site that is designed for more."

Concerns about building on the protected development envelope and poor drainage in Hod Hall Lane were also raised by locals.

Cllr Gareth Wilson, said: "This was quite clearly a bid by the applicant to try and get round the objections raised by the council before without altering the overall aim of the plans.

A spokesperson for Parkin Planning Services said: “We are very disappointed with the decision but we are not giving up. We will be getting in touch with our client shortly and we will be considering our options.”