Traveller site in Burley would ‘open floodgates’ for more if allowed by New Forest National Park Authority, say villagers as New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne

Plans allowing Travellers to live in four caravans on a former equestrian site in Burley have sparked a furious response from villagers and a Forest MP.

Sir Desmond Swayne attacked the proposal for two families to use the land as residential saying: “The construction of the static homes on a concrete plinth has already taken place, along with substantial fencing, moving the entrance and removal of hedging.

“It is clear that this is not in keeping with the rural environment, and the visual impact adversely affects the area. The land was previously open paddocks albeit with stables, but with rural character.”

Sir Desmond said a “number” of residents have voiced their opposition to the application to him and added: “The proposal contradicts all the planning policy protections in the NFNPA local plan.

“Rather chillingly for the neighbourhood, the site is now exhibiting a rather intimidating large white sign with red letters threatening attack by dogs on entry.”

More than 60 residents have objected to the application by Michael Chalk and Tom Butler for a change of use to allow two static and two touring caravans, along with parking, bin stores and e-bike chargers on the land off Ringwood Road.

The New Forest Association is also objecting to the proposal.

In their application to the New Forest National Park Authority Mr Butler and Mr Chalk say that they have been searching for land for “over four years without success, both for lawful planning consent, or for with the least amount of planning restraints as possible”.

They also say that if permission is not granted they will be forced into “returning to a roadside existence”.

A design and access statement by White Planning and Enforcement states that “attention is drawn to the need for sites for Travellers to be set up in the New Forest” adding that the site “will only be for the use of two families”.

But many of the objectors claim that if given the go-ahead, the application will “open the floodgates” for more Travellers to set up a permanent site in the Forest.

One said: “The New Forest is a national park and we are grateful for the strict regulations protecting the natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage and conservation. If this proposal is granted it will set a precedent and open the floodgates, and could make it likely for similar proposals to be approved in the future.”

Another added: “Anyone living in the New Forest National Park should be concerned, as it would set a precedent for future applicants to buy a plot of land within the national park, claim a series of arguments as to why their personal circumstance should overcome those policies, and then cite this current case as to why their application should be allowed.”

“One person claimed: “I do understand that Gypsies and Travellers do have rights but consideration also needs to be given to the rights of the people of Burley.”

One resident commented: “This could pose a serious long-term problem with such unlawful dwellings appearing at other sites within the NFNP and local parishes being unable to turn down retrospective applications due to this approval having created a precedent.”

In their application the two men said their families intend to integrate into village life, using local shops and other amenities.

But one objector argued: “The tall fencing and aggressive signage displayed at the entrance do not suggest a willingness to integrate with the community.”

Others complained that much of the work put forward for approval had already been carried out including installing two caravans at the site, e-chargers and fencing along with hard standing.

White Planning and Enforcement said the “applicant families’ status as Gypsy/traveller and their personal need for a site, attracts significant weight”, as did the “lack of alternative or available suitable pitches”.

But the New Forest Association said the “application is contrary to a multitude of Local Plan policies and presumably relies on for use by Gypsy and Travellers”.

“National policy makes clear planning permission for Gypsy and traveller sites should only be granted in national parks where it is demonstrated that the objectives of the designation will not be compromised by the development. This is clearly not the case.”

Consultation on the proposal ends today (Friday), after which the NPA will make its decision.