'We don't have room for more gipsy sites', say councillors
Parish councillors in Essington say they fear the village is becoming a 'dumping ground for unwanted developments' after plans were unveiled for three gipsy sites in the area.
A total of 29 sites containing 166 pitches have been earmarked for the region, including three in Essington. Under new laws South Staffordshire Council must find 33 pitches by 2028. The proposals include two sites in Middlehill, Shareshill, containing 20 pitches in total.
Further sites up for consultation are Ball Lane, Coven Heath, Glenside on Dark Lane, Slade Heath, land off New Road, Featherstone, Lane Green Avenue in Bilbrook and Church Road, Seisdon. All of the sites have been made available by landowners.
In Essington land in Hobnock Road, Broad Lane and Long Lane has been highlighted, comprising of 29 individual pitches.
See also: Villagers fuming over travellers' plans.
Councillor David Clifft, chairman of Essington Parish Council, said that following a meeting earlier this week an exhibition detailing to proposals and the council's opposition to them was agreed.
"This is a complete shocker as far as we are concerned," said Councillor Clifft. "We already have four gipsy sites here. There really is no room for any more. The north of the district is being targeted once again. There is a danger that Essington is becoming a dumping ground for unwanted developments.
"Hopefully the exhibition will help residents to get a good idea of what is going on." The exhibition will feature maps of the proposed sites along with information about how the proposals would affect the village.
A mail shot will be sent out to all Essington residents to make people aware of the proposals and he has called a meeting with South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson.
"I am urging people to support the parish council and to stand against these plans," he added. The exhibition will be on show from this weekend onwards at the Essington Community Centre in Hobnock Road.
See also: Controversial garden campsite plans rejected.
The consultation will run until November 24.
The proposed site in Long Lane has already been the subject of two failed planning applications in recent years. In June landowner Bill Watton applied to the Camping and Caravanning Club to register his back garden as an official campsite.
But parish councillors and residents accused him of trying to bypass planning laws and his bid was thrown out.
Councillor Bob McCardle, South Staffordshire Council's strategic chief, said the authority was keen to hear residents views before it draws up a list of preferred sites for approval by councillors.
