To ignore neighbour's letter through my door....

[HarryandLouLou]

.....that asks all local residents to object to minor travellers site planning application?

I know gypsies and travellers often get bad press, but I had a look at the planning application on the council website and it's for 2 caravans, 1 static and 1 to be lived in. Whoever applied must own the land as its a request for the land to be used as a place of residence.

The neighbour (who I'm not sure of their identity) is claiming that should this proceed it will "blight our homes and reduce sale prices" etc etc.

From a birds eye view, our street and cul de sac will be their nearest neighbours, but there is no access between the site and our homes.

Aibu or naive?

[MidniteScribbler]

I don't have any experience with travellers so can't comment on them, but I wouldn't like caravans on a vacant block near me, unless they were using it temporarily and a permanent home was being built within a certain time frame.

[KatieHalfPrice]

I have extensive experience of planning applications for a traveller sites. Planning applications can only be turned down on planning grounds. I've known sites get approved with upwards of 500 local objections because 'not in my back yard' is not a reason to decline planning.

[Mimishimi]

My parents applied to live in a van for up to a year or so whilst they saved up to build a house on a block of land they purchased when we were little. As it is, they sold that land to buy an established house further away. Why does it bother people if others live in a van ? I can completely understand being bothered by overcrowding and mess but I really don't see what the actual issue with just a van is. Lots of homeowners who are non-travellers have messy front yards with scrap cars and the like.

[JessieMcJessie]

How do you know it is for travellers? Farm near me uses statics for seasonal workers.

[FanjolinaJolie]

I would object too...from personal experience

[HarryandLouLou]

Thanks for all the replies.

I've checked the application again, and it states "one gypsy family."

I have no concerns if this is the case but not so sure if it turns out to be a larger site in time.

However, as KatieHalfPrice says, it's not so simple to dispute on grounds that are not of a planning nature.

I'll see how things go in due course.