Bid for gypsy site rejected in Eastergate

Arun District Council's development control committee decided the latest proposals by David Young for Little Nova Paddocks were unacceptable.

Mr Young wanted to use the land in Eastergate Lane for a single family with two mobile homes, two caravans for travelling, a small amenity building with a bathroom and storage area and parking and landscaping.

But the committee members agreed his application should be refused because the site was in a rural area outside the boundary for building.

The proposed development would introduce housing into the countryside which would harm the area's look and character, they stated.

The councillors agreed Mr Young was a genuine gypsy, but he had failed to show an immediate and overriding need existed for the land to become a private gypsy site.

They also stated they believed allowing the new use for the site would prejudice the outcome of their ongoing district-wide study into sites for travellers, showpeople and gypsies.

This had identified Little Nova Paddocks as part of a bigger and permanent medium-sized site for six to 12 pitches for gypsies and travellers.

The council received 91 letters of objection from individuals to Mr Young's proposals.

The protests included the belief the homes would be out of keeping with their surroundings, they would take up high-grade farmland and potential disruption from their occupation. Eastergate Parish Council also objected.

This was the fifth application for the site in 15 years which has failed or been withdrawn.

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP