Three-year deal for Great Dorset Steam Fair travellers site (From Thisisdorset)
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Three-year deal for Great Dorset Steam Fair travellers site
7:00pm Tuesday 21st July 2009 in News By Louise Dunderdale
AN authorised gypsies and travellers site for the Great Dorset Steam Fair has been granted planning permission for the next three years despite objections from sections of the community.
Dorset County Council’s planning committee approved the council’s own plan for the transit site on land at Tarrant Hinton near Blandford.
The site will be open for three weeks around the dates of the annual steam fair, which this year takes place from September 2 to 6.
It is the same site that has been used for the last two years when it was granted a one-year temporary permission.
A report to councillors said there were 87 letters of objection including objections from Tarrant Monkton and Launceston Parish Council who suggested a site at Collingwood Corner, away from existing housing.
There were also three letters of support and the support of other councils.
The county council had sought permanent planning permission for the site to be used for three weeks around the fair each year.
Following objections from residents in Tarrant Launceston and Tarrant Monkton, the committee agreed to grant permission for the site for three years while the county council continues to investigate and consult on alternative sites.
A new planning application will have to be submitted either for the same site or for another for use in 2012.
The provision of an authorised site means police can move travellers on to the site or escort those that will not comply out of the county.
Up to 100 caravans can pay a fee to stay on the site, which has a temporary toilet, refuse collection and drinking water facilities, and is managed on a 24-hour basis.
When a dedicated site was used in 2007 and 2008, the county council said there was a sharp fall in the number of unauthorised encampments in the surrounding area and a corresponding drop in complaints of antisocial behaviour.
