Gypsy site in Billington to be extended

Posted on June 30, 2008

A gypsy caravan site in Billington is to be extended despite objections from local parish councils.

The application was for change of use of a horse paddock to the siting of five caravans to the rear of the existing gypsy caravan site at 28 Stanbridge Road, Billington.

South Beds Planning Committee gave the go ahead after acknowledging the need for at least 40 travellers' pitches in the next five years. And the Housing Act 2004 requires local housing authorities to include gypsies and travellers in their accommodation assessments, including drawing up a strategy demonstrating how those needs will be met.

Objections included these statements from Stanbridge Parish Council: "There are large existing sites in the adjoining parishes of Stanbridge, Tilsworth and Eaton Bray. There is no justification for yet another site within the area.

"There are also concerns regarding land being purchased and illegally occupied. Also further erosion of the Green Belt by intensive development and the development is not in keeping with the surrounding area."

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Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 24 June 2008