Opposition Builds To Traveller Site Proposals
Ealing Council is consulting on two options for an extra pitches
Elthorne Park travellers in 2017. Picture: Liz Jenner
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August 1, 2023
Over 4,000 people have signed a petition against proposals by Ealing Council for additional pitches for gypsies and travellers in the borough.
An assessment carried out in 2018 concluded that Ealing needed to provide a minimum of an additional six pitches on top of the existing provision of 24 at Bashley Road in Park Royal. It has been concluded that it is not possible to create more pitches at the existing site.
Consultancy firm Three Dragons was commissioned in February of this year to come up with recommendations for alternative sites starting with a list of potential locations provided by the council.
In all 16 sites were considered as part of the assessment including the current provision at Bashley Road. Three sites that could be up and running within five years were nominated by the consultants together with a further two developable sites that could be converted beyond that time. Not all these sites will be required to meet future need for gypsy and traveller pitches but the council felt it was prudent to identify potential options for the future.
The council’s preferred option is for the West London Shooting Ground site although it says it welcomes views on other option.
The feedback received from the consultation will be used by the council to inform the identification of a potential site to address ‘planning’ need in the final version of the New Local Plan.
In the immediate term two sites in Northolt were chosen as the options for the six pitches to be provided. They are Downs Barn Farm/West London Shooting Ground (Eastern Section) and Northolt Driving Range.
The petition opposes both proposed sites being used saying “though the Gypsy & Traveller community should have a right to residential dwellings with appropriate amenities and facilities however the impact on this proposal would be devastating to the local residents and community.
“The site will replace the only countryside space in Northolt and also the land is considered a historical asset and is habitat to endangered wildlife therefore it should be legally protected and no developments should be permitted. Northolt is a highly congested area with excessive traffic and high levels of pollution, we need our green spaces to counterbalance this. Additionally the proximity of the site to existing residential areas is very close and therefore significant risk to our safety and general quality of the area (eg. noise, waste, rodents etc), burglary & antisocial behaviour cannot be underestimated and are major concerns.”
The aim is to collect 10,000 signatures before the end of the consultation period.
The consultation on these proposals which is running until 16 August. The council recommends making comments on the consultation using this online survey.
Alternatively, you can respond in writing and send your completed forms to: 14-16 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2HL or send an email to localplan@ealing.gov.uk .
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