600 oppose gypsy site as deadline looms (From Bucks Free Press)

600 oppose gypsy site as deadline looms

6:13pm Tuesday 23rd June 2009 in Search

RESIDENTS have until the end of the day to give their views on the proposed Hemley Hill travellers site.

Almost 600 objections have been submitted to Wycombe District Council's Planning Portal opposing the plans to change the use of the land to include the “stationing of caravans for nine gypsy pitches” and “utility and day room buildings.”

To access the application, click here. You must accept the terms and conditions to proceed.

Aylesbury MP David Lidington, who represents the town, said: “If local residents and parish councils want to oppose or support the plan, they need to speak up now.”

Trish Kelly, whose home in Upper Icknield Way backs onto the site, said she hoped one place for 15 pitches would be found under the GOSE plans for the Irish travellers to move onto.

She said noise, littering and bonfires had blighted residents’ lives.

Mrs Kelly said: “If there are stereotypes they are mostly true, unfortunately. The feelings in Risborough are running quite high.”

However, the travellers who moved onto the site over the Easter holidays have said they “just wanted to be left in peace and live their lives” and have been of “no bother to residents” since they arrived.