Neighbours have objected to a man’s bid for six caravans in his back garden for his traveller family — painting a different picture to those who flocked to his defence online.
Felix Doran, of Middle Road in Tydd St Mary, said that the static homes will provide accommodation solely for his children and grandchildren — but residents believe there is “no justification” for it.
The site would be around the back of Felix Doran’s property. Picture: Alice Hobbs
The change of use application was lodged with South Holland District Council in late May and since then the neighbours have gathered more than 80 signatures for their petition against it.
If approved, each caravan would be placed in the back garden of Mr Doran’s home, and would consist of two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living area.
A statement from the opposing group of residents said: “Middle Road is a quiet rural lane that has seen only small, sensitive changes for generations.
“The proposal for six static caravans represents an 85% increase in dwellings and is completely out of keeping with the character of the area.
Where the caravans would be placed. Picture: Google Earth
“The application provides no justification for development and the scale and fails to meet the evidence required of our national and local planning policy.”
It added that their greatest concern is highway safety, as Middle Road joins onto the A1101 with “limited visibility”.
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Some of the residents, who asked not to be named, said that they are worried about the increase in cars on the narrow road, and the disruption that could come with it. However, Mr Doran says “there is going to be no difference”, as his children already live in the house, so would add no more traffic than there already is.
“It’s not for a big gypsy camp or anything like that, it’s for my kids, my children,” he said.
Neighbours are concerned about increased traffic on Middle Road. Picture: Alice Hobbs
“We’ve been there three years, the neighbours have to know that, the whole village should have to know that by now. We keep ourselves to ourselves.
“We bought a property down there because obviously there’s nice scenery down there.”
Mr Doran’s planning agent Stuart Carruthers has stated that the development would be strictly for the children, and added that his client would welcome any planning conditions to enforce that.
The residents have confirmed that if South Holland District Council is minded to approve the bid, they want it to be called into the planning committee.
A decision is due on August 6.
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