Gypsy and Traveller communities are being let down by councils that fail to provide the right facilities for them, it has been claimed.
Members of the Teignbridge Council planning committee have agreed a stay of execution on an unauthorised site near Ipplepen after hearing how taking enforcement action on the ‘well-run, clean and tidy’ site would impact the people living there. A two-week-old baby is among the residents.
Cllr Andrew MacGregor (Ind, Bishopsteignton) told colleagues: “We fail this community, and we should be working harder to find solutions.”
But councillors also stressed that allowing people to disregard planning regulations and go on operating sites without seeking permission first would set a dangerous precedent.
“We can’t just have people deciding to take a piece of land and convert it without adhering to the rules,” said Cllr Suzanne Sanders (Lib Dem, Chudleigh).
The committee was discussing the site at Berry Park, where six caravans are being used as residential accommodation. Two day rooms and a kennel have also been built.
The landowner submitted a planning application last year, but it could not be validated because key information was missing. A new one is being prepared.
Cllr David Palethorpe (Lib Dem, Ipplepen) said the ‘complex’ issue went to the heart of the planning process.
“We are dealing with a very clear and flagrant breach of planning control,” he said. “This is agricultural land which has been transformed without permission into a residential caravan site.
“This is not a minor breach. It is substantial and it is very deliberate. We can’t be in a position where any person can simply occupy land and ignore planning controls.
“If we allow that to happen, what message are we sending out to people who do go through the planning process?”
He proposed allowing the one-month extension, despite being unhappy about doing so.
Cllr Phil Bullivant (Con, Bradley) added: “We need to be firm, but we have to remember that we have a family involved, and we need to give them time.”
Cllr MacGregor added: “This is a very well-run, clean and tidy site in a sheltered area away from the main community of Ipplepen. We fail as a council, repeatedly, to deliver what we say we are going to deliver in terms of transit and permanent sites for Travellers and Gypsies.
“I hope we don’t have to go down the line of enforcement.”
The committee agreed to delay enforcement action to shut down the site for one month, to allow the landowner to submit a new application.
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