Bishop's Green traveller site to expand

In a letter issued last week by Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council, it was revealed that alterations to the existing traveller’s site at Meadowview in Rooksfield had been approved to include the provision of two new mobile homes, one amenity building, car parking facilities, a dog kennel and one ancillary development.
Nearby resident, Ian Butcher, aged 57, who moved to the new residential development off Ash Road when it was built, said: “I think this is unacceptable, particularly when this is a new development and we bought houses in good faith. It will affect the value of these houses.
“The council haven’t responded at all.
“I think they have put it here as it is as far from Basingstoke as possible. If necessary we would move, but we would rather stay.
“Personally if there is any fall in value of my house as a result of this I will be demanding compensation from Basingstoke Council.”
Planning and development manager Mike Townsend of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said: “The impact of development on property values is not a planning consideration that can be taken into account when deciding on an application.”
A committee meeting held in July found that according to a report on the potential impact of the development there will be “some impact to the landscape character and scenic quality of the area” but on balance the need for the development would outweigh this impact.
At the meeting, Ecchinswell, Sydmonton and Bishops Green parish councils objected to the plan and there were 294 letters of objection from the public.
Concerns that were raised included the adverse environmental impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, safety and security issues, added congestion and a devaluation of residents’ homes.
One letter of support was sent to the council which said the community had already been at the site for two years and they had always been respectful, maintained the area well, were friendly and brought something new to the area.
The traveller community at the site now has three years to develop the area under the granted planning permission.