Usk travellers’ site plan turned down (From Free Press Series)

Usk travellers’ site plan turned down

9:03am Thursday 29th July 2010

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THE owner of a field in Usk will appeal after planners refused her bid to turn it into a travellers’ site.

Star Lea, said she was extremely disappointed after Monmouthshire council’s planning committee rejected an application to turn agricultural land, near Upper Maerdy Farm in Llangeview, into a permanent base for her and her extended family.

The site, close to the A449, is owned and occupied by Mrs Lea. She wants to put four mobile homes, four utility dayroom blocks, and a children's play area on the site, to retain an existing railway carriage and spaces for cars.

Maggie Smith-Bendell, Romany Gypsy Advisor to Mrs Lea, whose family are from Pontypool, said the application was submitted because Mrs Lea needed an address to seek medical help for her grandchild.

"This application has been an on-going saga since April 2009," she added.

Members debated the proposal for 50 minutes, during which head of planning George Ashworth said key concerns include the visibility of the site from the trunk road, the potential risk for the travellers living near to a slip road and a water main which crosses the site which poses a risk to the maintenance of the public water supply.

"It is highly visible from the A472 which is one of Monmouthshire's shop windows. It would be a detriment to the quality of the countryside," said Mr Ashworth.

Cllr Brian Strong said: "If this is approved the people of Usk will be up in arms."

Llangeview resident Ian Geoffrey told members the previous owner placed a covenant on the land when he sold it in 2006, meaning it can only be used for agriculture.

Following a vote the committee supported the officers recommendation to refuse the application. Mrs Lea said she will lodge an appeal.

Petitions and letters showed locals' oppostion

Over 20 letters of objection and two petitions with 94 signatures were submitted to the council. Llantrisant Fawr and Llangwm Community Council’s opposed the application because of concerns surrounding road access, increased traffic, detrimental visual impact, lack of water supply and strong local opposition. Local residents fear it will encourage illegal encampments and increase crime.

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