Minutes of Harberton Parish Council planning meeting held on Monday 24 October 2005 at 7.30pm at Harberton Parish Hall.
Present: Cllrs Hockings, Jeffreys, Stubbings, Fearn, Williams, Patrick, Johnson and Beamish.
Apologies: Cllr G Janes, E Janes, D Cllr Steer and County Councillor Date.
Public: 12
Clerk: Mrs D Crann.
The Chairman opened the meeting, welcomed everyone and invited members of the public to speak. Mr Jones commenced by introducing himself as the applicant of this planning application number 14/23/1785/05/F change of use of land to transit site for 12 gypsy/travellers’ caravans, including services, Field OS9428, Tigley Croft, Dartington. He said he would be willing to answer any questions put to him.
The first speaker said she objected on the grounds that the lanes were too narrow for so many large caravans. Also, with the extra children, dogs and pedestrians and Fork Cross being a dangerous crossroads at the best of times. This view was reiterated by many of the speakers. It was pointed out that it was unjust for the travellers to set up this site where permanent residents would be excluded on normal planning grounds.
Mr Jones pointed out that the travellers would be referred to him by Social Services and if the site was full, he would refer these travellers to illegal sites.
Mr Handover of Harberton then spoke. He said he was generally in favour of this plan. He thought it was vitally important to provide sites for travellers and that not enough had been done by either DCC or SHDC in this area. Cllr Johnson agreed with him.
There was much further discussion on this matter and though many of the public objected to this plan, there were several who felt it should be approved as there was such a lack of such sites in the area.
Councillors then proceeded with the meeting.
Cllr Beamish: He objected. He felt there were better sites nearer urban areas with more services. The roads were too narrow for large vehicles, vans, etc.
Cllr Jeffreys: She gave general support, but shared concern of the overspill at the site about where travellers go while awaiting a site and safety at Fork and Tigley Cross junctions.
Cllr Johnson: She objected. The site was unsuitable, even allowing for a bus service. All accesses were dangerous.
Cllr Stubbings: He objected. The site does not fulfil Mr Prescott’s criteria. This road was a cut-through for local traffic and would be dangerous for pedestrians and bikes.
Cllr Patrick: She gave general support, but was concerned about the overspill and narrow roads, but felt we have to start somewhere.
Cllr Williams: He objected. The site, though badly needed, was in the wrong place – too far from the services.
Cllr Fearn: He objected. Concerned about inadequate funding and no proper business structure. Also, Fork Cross junction being particularly dangerous.
Cllr Hockings. He objected. There was lack of resources for full development of the site. No facilities for children or teenagers and traffic problems already mentioned. There was definitely a need, but this field is for agricultural use.
Voting: Proposed by Cllr Williams and seconded by Cllr Fearn to object to this application. Amendment to this - to accept the application. Proposed by Cllr Jeffreys and seconded by Cllr Patrick. Voting on the amendment – in favour 2, against 6. The proposal was carried.
The meeting closed at 8.50pm.