Plans to expand traveller's site rejected

Plans to expand a traveller's site in Somerset have been refused over concerns of over-crowding.

Last year the company Frome Park Ltd. applied to reconfigure The Pines Residential site on Berkley Lane in Frome, Somerset, increasing the number of pitches from 23 to 35.

Somerset Council's planning committee rejected the proposals on 7 April, arguing the plans represented "over-development" and would put members of the existing community at risk.

The decision comes two months after the death of two people living on the site. Avon and Somerset Police has stated neither death is being treated as suspicious.

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Adam Boyd, said: "There are too many plots – they're crammed in with not enough space between them.

"Intensifying the residential use of the site and its facilities could lead to over-crowding and over-development."

The plans envisioned expanding the site to create new pitches, with each new pitch being able to accommodate a static caravan, a touring caravan, a day room and parking space.

Councillor Helen Kay added: "I have heard rumours the existing residents aren't very happy with this – they feel it's going to cram too many people in there."

Somerset Council's Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment stated there is a need for 136 additional permanent traveller pitches across the county by 2045.

Berkley Parish Council objected to the proposals, stating it could "exacerbate problems" associated with the site since it was sold off by Somerset County Council in 2012.

"We know in Somerset that this is a challenge – we need to make sure people from these communities have homes," said Councillor Claire Sully.

"It's a shame that we haven't made this work. I'm uneasy about this."

Frome Park Ltd. has not yet indicated whether it intends to appeal the committee's decision.

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