Expansion plans for gypsy and traveller site

Two applications have been submitted to Cherwell District Council: one to provide another six caravan pitches at Corner Meadow, on Farnborough Road, with a separate change of use application for neighbouring land, Stable Block, for five caravan pitches.

Both applications have been recommended for approval. Members of CDC’s planning committee are expected to make the decision this afternoon. Both sets of plans have received objections from village residents and Mollington Parish Council.

Opponents say the site has the potential to be an unsatisfactory living environment and is nowhere near any bus routes serving Cropredy or Mollington.

The parish council’s objections include the site being at capacity in terms of caravans and infrastructure, some of the pitches have been occupied by non-gypsy families, road access to the site is from a restricted highway and the site has no infrastructure link to schools, doctors and other local amenities.

In the planning report, CDC officers said the proposed development would help CDC meet its shortfall of authorised traveller pitches in the district, particularly with the closure of the Smith’s traveller site at Bloxham.

They said: “The site is part of an existing authorised gypsy traveller site, is considered acceptable in general sustainability terms and can accommodate the proposed layout without causing any undue detrimental impacts on the character and appearance of the landscape or highway safety, whilst providing an acceptable standard of living for both existing and future occupants of the site.