Development Plans Team
Mid Bedfordshire District Council
Priory House
Monks Walk
Chicksands
Shefford
Bedfordshire
SG17 5TQ / ……………………..……………
……………………..……………
……………………..……………
……………………..……………
……………………..……………
……………………..……………

RE: GYPSY AND TRAVELLER DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENT – March 2007

Dear Sir,

I would like to express my objection to the proposed permanent travellers’ site at The Drift in Blunham, Bedfordshire. This location is patently unsuitable for such a purpose. There are many compelling reasons why this option should be rejected at this stage and why I oppose the siting of one of the planned travellers’ sites in this location. These reasons include:-

·  Any increase in traffic in this area would seriously and adversely affect road safety.

·  The sole access to the site is unsuitable for any increased volume of traffic, being on a tight bend in the road and between two residential properties.

·  There is no legal right of access to the land for non-agricultural vehicles.

·  The only road leading to the site is an inadequate and narrow single track.

·  There are only minimal facilities in the village within walking distance of the site.

·  There is inadequate schooling in Blunham (over 56% of travellers are of school age.)

·  The site has no provision of domestic utilities (electricity, water, sewerage, gas.)

·  There is no waste removal provision.

·  The location fails many of the Council’s stated selection criteria.

·  The site does not meet criteria stated by travellers themselves for a desirable site.

·  There is no adequate local access to health provision or employment opportunities.

·  Increased traffic in this area of the village would cause undue disruption to residents.

·  The rural village of Blunham is a wholly inappropriate location for travellers.

For these reasons I believe that this location should not be considered a realistic or feasible option for a travellers’ site and I wish to expresses my strongest possible opposition to this proposal.

Yours faithfully,

Signature: ……………………………………

Name: ……………………………………