rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/Published/C00000296/M00005302/$$Supp1001dDocPackPublic.pdf?ku=22272926$twn
EFDC will be considering a draft report which was originally considered at a Cabinet meeting on 6th October - view the web cast on the link below: www.eppingforestdc.public-i.tv/site/player/pl_compact.php?a=17188&t=0&m=wm&l=en_GB Iain Wright The Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government wrote to EFDC on 23rd April 2008 and confirmed
'I consider it crucial for the council to make demonstrable progress with this important document in a clear and urgent manner in accordance with the terms of the direction in order we can get to a position, sooner rather than later, where Gypsies and Travellers will have appropriate authorised provision of sites.'
He continues “You can’t take time or look at the criteria and try to find places. You must do it now.” The map of the two sites, which are both green belt, can be found on page 63 figure 31, the map is labelled as Coopersale Road and Abridge Road Theydon Garnon. Page 62 confirms site 20b is a paddock east of Theydon Bois - Abridge Road for 11 pitches and site 20c is a paddock east of Theydon Bois - Coopersale Lane for 10 pitches. The consultation document states that 'Pitches may vary from being large enough for one large residential trailer (or mobile home) and one touring (small) trailer to pitches spacious enough to hold one or two larger mobile homes and several tourers; as well as working vehicles. In Essex there is an average of 2 mobile homes per pitch. An average pitch size is 0.1 hectare. Fire safety concerns and functional requirements (amenity unit, large trailer, touring caravan, drying area, lockable sheds and parking space) effectively set minimum pitch size. (page 9) Gypsies and travellers have a preference for pitch sizes of between 6-15 pitches. (page 15) Residents of Theydon Bois should be aware that it is likely that no village or town will welcome this ultimatum and it may come to a situation where parishes are working against each other in order that these fields and paddocks are not selected for travellers in their communities. Residents in Thornwood are quoted in the Guardian "One site is directly behind a high voltage electricity sub station and the other has a public footpath straight through the middle of it." Websites have been built, meetings arranged and petitions organised. Residents cannot assume that the sites in Theydon Bois will not be selected. Non provision is not an option. (page 7) The most potentially suitable sites have been given a 'green traffic light.' (page 10) The consultation document states 'Areas along the Roding Valley and Central Line are most 'green'. Areas in and around Epping and to the East of Theydon Bois score well.' (page 11)
However 'sites outside the Green Belt must be considered before sites in the Green Belt.' (page 6) EFDC wish to 'minimise the release of rural green field sites.' (page 18) Gypsy and traveller sites are inappropriate in the green belt. (page 20) 'Where the proposal is in the green belt then there must be very special circumstances... which clearly outweigh the harm by virtue of the inappropriate use, the harm to the openness of the green belt, the harm to the character and appearance of the area and other harm.' (page 68) EFDC confirm that the provision for these sites will cost £100,000 per pitch, the government would provide 4.1%, barely enough to cover one pitch. (page 74) EFDC confirm, amongst other criteria, the following areas were excluded; 12. Sites Accessed by Quiet Lane - Coopersale Lane is a protected lane and there is a campaign to have it designated a Quiet Lane. 15. Landfill sites (buffer 250 metres) - Could Blunts Farm be considered a landfill site? 16. Contaminated Land - Could Blunts Farm be considered contaminated? 19. Areas within 300 metres of a motorway. - Is the Coopersale Lane site far enough from the M11? If you are concerned about the prospect of both of these sites being compulsory purchased and becoming sites for travellers and gypsies please read the report links above, and write to; EFDC Forward Planning Gypsy and Travellers Consultation Civic Offices, High Street FREE POST CL3360 Epping Essex CM16 4YA The consultation period runs from 4th November 2008 until 20th January 2009. These criteria should be considered with your comments.
If you do NOT relish the joy of gypsies and travellers encroaching on our village, you need to made your comments known in the strongest possible way. Please also make your views known by writing to Eleanor Laing MP who has described the situation as "the worst kind of Communism”. She also asked Iain Wright The Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government a number of questions on this important issue on Wednesday 22nd October at 4pm:
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm081022/halltext/81022h0009.htm
Write to: Eleanor Laing MP, Thatcher House, Meadow Road, Loughton, IG10 4HX. This situation has the potential to change the whole culture of our village.