Bawdeswell traveller site bid refused by Breckland council

The site where the applicant hoped to create a pitch at is on a plot of land on the southern side of Reepham Road near Bawdeswell. 

Mrs M McDonough, the applicant, proposed to Breckland Council the site be used for a single gypsy traveller pitch, which would include a static caravan, a touring caravan and a dayroom.

Aerial view of the proposed site outlined in red. (Image: WS Planning & Architecture) READ MORE: Bid approved to split one home into two in Norfolk village

However, the application was met with several objections from neighbours. 

One person said the development would be an "environmental disaster" for the area while another neighbour, who shares the private track that the applicant would use to access their site, said the driveway was already restricted in size and the proposal raised concerns for highway safety.

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They said: "This is a single 2.4m wide track and it is impossible for even two cars to pass either when entering or exiting onto Reepham Road. 

"The splays are very restricted and we regularly have to reverse back down the splay when leaving the site to avoid oncoming traffic.

"Reepham Road is also 60mph and, as the first straight piece of road as you leave Bawdeswell, is regularly used for overtaking by vehicles adding to the challenges of exiting and entering the lane."

Howard Cardus, on behalf of Mrs McDonough, rebutted the concerns in a planning document response.

The shared access drive that would be used to access the site. (Image: Google Maps) READ MORE: New owners of town pub say business has been 'awesome'

Mr Cardus used speed survey results to demonstrate the average speed of the road was around 54mph, which was lower than what was mentioned, and suggested the hedges be trimmed on either side of the access point to improve visibility.

He also added the primary objective of this application is to secure safe accommodation for a single mother as soon as possible.

Despite his efforts, Breckland Council refused the application, stating the inadequate visibility splays would cause danger and an inconvenience to users of the adjoining public highway and the shared private drive is too narrow.