Plans have been submitted for a new traveller site on green belt land near Sidcup. The proposals, lodged by WS Planning & Architecture on behalf of applicant Mr B Jeeves, include installing two mobile homes and two touring vans at Robin Stud Farm, in Cocksure Lane.
As well as caravans, the planning application includes changing the use of the land to a traveller site and building a "modest" dayroom. This building is proposed to feature a study, a utility room, a kitchen and living area and a bathroom.
Green belt and grey belt arguments
While the cover letter submitted alongside the application does not make it clear if Robin Stud Farm is in use as a working farm, the existing site plan shows stables, animal pens and a paddock currently at the site.
The land is also described as within the green belt, however the cover letter argues for it to be classified as "grey belt", as it "would not fundamentally undermine the purposes" of the green belt.
The cover letter said: "The proposal would provide a much-needed Gypsy and Traveller accommodation together with an associated dayroom on a contained site, without fundamentally undermining the purposes of the wider Green Belt.
"The simple fact is that the occupiers are in need of a site, and would otherwise have to resort to a roadside existence in the absence of any suitable, and available alternatives, which are simply absent from the borough.
"It does not serve the best interests of the family for them to resort to the roadside permanently, when suitable land is available for development."
Decision deadline
Bexley Council is expected to make a decision on by December 9.
