Planning application submitted for unauthorised Traveller site on Bullpit Road, Balderton

A planning application has been submitted to change a horse paddock to a Traveller site — after work had already started.

The part retrospective application was submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council on May 14, for land off Bullpit Road.

Work had begun on the site in early May, with areas of hard-standing created on the field next to the railway line without planning permission.

On May 8, the council served an Enforcement Warning Notice requiring the landowner to submit a planning application, as well as putting restrictions on construction noise from the site.

The application seeks permission for ten individual pitches, each with a static caravan and touring caravan, with ancillary hardstanding.

These have already been created on the site, with permeable hardcore surfacing and wooden fences.

Planning documents added: “If the application is successful, it is likely that modest dayrooms for mainly washing facilities may be added to but this will be the choice of the families that may lawfully occupy the site.”

Some planting has been done along the boundary of the site, with the applicant said to welcome additional landscaping requirements.

Documents highlighted the lack of pitch provision within the district, and explained that sites are occupied before permission has been granted as the alternatives are public spaces, laybys, or car parks which aren’t suitable for children.

The document stated: “A number of Gypsy/Travellers have sought to settle on this site out of a general necessity.”