Plans for permanent Gipsy site near Holsworthy

By ksmith

A FORMER highways depot between Holsworthy and Pyworthy has been earmarked as the first permanent Gipsy and traveller site in Torridge.

The district council is planning to transform the depot in Derriton into a managed residential area for travellers after securing the two-acre site from Devon County Council.

Subject to planning approval, the site would house between six and eight of the 24 pitches identified for Torridge in the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Concerns were raised at the start of this year that Torridge could become home to a "disproportionate" number of Gipsies and travellers after the South West Regional Assembly recommended that Torridge house 24 of the 29 traveller pitches that are required in the area.

In comparison, it said North Devon should have just five and North Cornwall, none. A pitch will often contain more than one caravan and roughly equates to one household.

Chief executive of Torridge District Council, John van de Laarschot, said: "Torridge is keen to work with and consult the local community to find the most positive way forward that addresses any concerns raised.

"The Housing Act 2004 requires all local authorities to assess the accommodation needs of Gipsies and travellers in their area and produce a strategy to meet these needs. This site at Derriton has been identified as a potentially ideal site, given its sustainability and minimal impact on the surrounding environment."

Mayor of Holsworthy, Cllr David Smith, said he recognised the obligation by the district council and said: "Provided that it is managed properly then it should not be a problem."

Cllr Des Shadrick added: "District councils are under huge pressure to find these sites as there is a chronic shortage. Unless we have sites to move travellers to when they park up illegally, our hands are tied."

Cllr Shadrick said a family of travellers, including four children, who parked up in Ashwater during the summer period caused "great upset" in the village.

He said: "If we had a site available, like the one proposed for Derriton, this family could have been moved within 24 hours. We could also have looked at home education for the traveller children to try and provide them with some hope for the future."

Cllr Shadrick added: "Derriton is on the very edge of Pyworthy and Holsworthy and I think travellers would look to Holsworthy for their services.

"We are seeking the closest liaison with the local community and hope to take some members out to see other traveller sites.

"We will ensure that this is a well run site and as a council will provide high level services and a minimum of discomfort and concern to local residents."

Andrew Parrish, chairman of Pyworthy Parish Council, said: "Until all the decisions are made, we can but wait until the planning application is submitted and then the parish of Pyworthy will air its views."