Traveller pitches at Saltram Countryside Park

53 objections to four caravans

Gypsy and traveller caravan pitches are to be created at Saltram Countryside Park  just outside Plymouth.

The city council’s planning committee has passed an application for two mobile homes with car parking off Colesdown Hill, Plymstock. A report says the location is part of a ‘modest-sized’ field in the designated Saltram Countryside Park Strategic Green Space. 

A similar application for the site was refused and then dismissed at an appeal in 2018 because of its impact on the local environment and insufficient information being submitted by the applicant. Of 55 public responses received by the council to the latest plan, 53 objected.

The applicant is a local ethnic Romany gypsy who does not have an alternative traveller site for their caravans.

The application was granted on condition that there should be no more than two pitches, for no more than four caravans. No more than two can be static caravans or mobile homes.

A report to the committee pointed out: “Finding suitable sites for the gypsy and traveller community is essential to provide equality for everyone. Everyone is entitled to a decent home.”

City council officers said the proposal is in line with policy and national guidance, and would help to address an unmet need.