Gypsy site recommended for approval

The decision by Darlington Borough Council to recommend that Robert and Ellen Flannigan are given permission to live at the site at Lime Lane, Brafferton, has been criticised by villagers.

Mr and Mrs Flannigan have asked to put a mobile home, two touring caravans and a utility block at the site at Shalter’s Bridge to the north of Brafferton.

Despite objections from villagers, planning officers have recommended it is given approval as the site is shielded from public view and there is a lack of permanent pitches for traveller families in the borough.

In recommending approval, the planning officer’s report, states: “It is considered that whilst there will be some visual impact the development would not cause an unacceptable negative impact on the landscape character or the natural environment.”

However, Bill Wood, the chairman of Brafferton parish meeting, said: “This is a retrograde step. It’s yet another example of the council giving in too easy.

“This village has been ridden roughshod over by the council. We’ve been fighting this for three or four years now.”

Earlier this month, in a separate application, gypsy Reuben Rogers lost his appeal to site a caravan at Aycliffe Lane, Brafferton.

However, the planning inspector raised concerns about the lack of legal traveller sites in Darlington.

Local ward councillor Brian Jones said: “The difference between this (Mr Flannigan’s) application and the other one is that the last one (Mr Roger’s) was in an extremely prominent site and this is more or less hidden away, so I can see why the planners made this recommendation.

“I know there’s been some objections from residents and I will be meeting with them to see what their views are.

“In an ideal world we need to expand the sites we’ve got but I’m not sure that’s feasible.

“Work is going on with a gypsy and traveller policy as we speak.”

The planning committee will discuss the application at its meeting on Wednesday in the town hall at 1.30pm.