Over a dozen residents in Brent Knoll have lodged objections against a planning application to create a small travellers caravan site.
The application, which is being considered by Sedgemoor District Council, is for land next to Oakdale in Battleborough Lane, where a private mobile home site consisting of two pitches and associated development has been proposed.
Villagers have expressed concern at the plans, with more than a dozen objections submitted to the District Council.
The site lies next to the busy A38 and is on the opposite side of the road facing Sanders Garden Centre, as pictured here.
Brent Knoll resident Mr Wilsher is among those who have written to the council. He says it is an “inappropriate development for this location” and adds that “it will increase the traffic entering and exiting this small junction.”
Mark Boorman, who also lives nearby, says: “The proposed development is not in keeping with the unique character of Battleborough Lane. The proposed materials for the construction are inappropriate for the location. The access to and from Battleborough Lane is already dangerous and congested.”
Another resident, Sally Marsh, adds: “It is a totally unsuitable environment for a travellers site in an area designated as agricultural” and she adds that “it could set a precedent for similar applications.”
Lynn Staynings adds: “I have lived in Brent Knoll for 15 years – the village is changing and not for the better… I strongly object to this application.”
Amanda Boorman adds: “Village communities in Sedgemoor are under threat from insensitive and inappropriate planning approvals. We have already seen a new housing development being approved along the A38, despite strong objections from the whole community and real concerns about the danger of additional traffic coming onto the A38 from Brent Knoll.”
“We now have a Planning Officer at Sedgemoor Council ‘Fully Supportive’ of plans to build a Travellers Site in Brent Knoll, right next door to a Grade 2 Listed Farmhouse. Brent Knoll is in danger of dying. Our services are closing and traffic is increasing through the village. Adding a Travellers Site will not enhance or enrich life for the community.”
Sedgemoor District Council is accepting comments until November 3rd. The planning application is 07/19/00025.
