Gypsy site plans may be reversed
PLANS for a gypsy caravan site in the shadow of a Fenland power station look set to be reversed today following a massive public outcry. Months of wrangling over the proposed site off Centenary Way, Wingland, Sutton Bridge, could be resolved if councillor
PLANS for a gypsy caravan site in the shadow of a Fenland power station look set to be reversed today following a massive public outcry.
Months of wrangling over the proposed site off Centenary Way, Wingland, Sutton Bridge, could be resolved if councillors accept arguments put forward by opponents.
Two local councillors, Chris Brewis and Michael Booth, have submitted documents to South Holland District Council's cabinet, claiming the site is inappropriate.
The councillors say the site is 2.4 miles by foot and 3.2 miles by road from the nearest primary school in Lincolnshire, and less than two miles from Walpole Cross Keys Primary School in Norfolk.
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"No approach has been made to either establishment to see if their capacity will allow for the temporary students coming from this transient site," say the councillors.
They also claim the site would stretch local health services and could threaten extra jobs proposed for Sutton Bridge.
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The councillors say Centenary Way is the only route to EDF Energy's Sutton Bridge Power Station and with other industries, more than 600 people work there.
Last summer, workers got a taste of what might happen when an illegal camp was set up on land owned by EDF.
"The occupants were removed by EDF's own bailiffs, but not before workers proceeding to Wingland Foods had received objects lobbed at them from the site on the way to work," say the councillors.
They also claim the owner of 54 acres of land recently sold for commercial development may find it hard to bring extra jobs to the area.
"One interested party who was going to build a major plant is having second thoughts because of this," say the councillors."
He had negotiated for a 100,000 square foot factory to come there - serious second thoughts now because of this decision. This decision seriously impedes that objective, and puts in doubt further expansion from existing firms."
South Holland had identified the Sutton Bridge site as a temporary stopping place for travellers and had instructed officers to begin acquisition of this and other sites.
However, following a 'call-in' by councillors, the matter was referred to a scrutiny committee.
The cabinet is being recommended by its officers to reconsider the approval following the scrutiny committee's deliberations.
