Priti stands with community opposing Drakes Lane Travellers site Development
Witham MP Priti Patel is working with local residents and businesses in opposing plans for a Gypsy and Traveller site at Drakes Lane, Little Waltham. Speaking at a packed public meeting held at Boreham Village Hall, Priti outlined her full concerns with the proposals which are for nine pitches located next to a major industrial estate and miles away from local services and facilities. The site has been provisionally allocated for development in Chelmsford City Council’s draft Local Plan and a planning application has been submitted. Priti, who has been supporting local businesses who are her constituents and making representations to the Council, said:
“The Drakes Lane site is completely unacceptable for any form of residential development and the high turnout at the public meeting shows the strength of local feeling against these plans. I share these concerns and stand with the local community in objecting to these proposals.”
“There are serious concerns about why the Council favour this site and the deals that have been done which have led to this application being submitted.”
“I have been contacted by many of my constituents who operate businesses next to the proposed site and also by my constituents in the neighbouring village and it is clear that the proposals do not satisfy the requirements of both local and national planning policies. Drakes Lane is being used by the Council to accommodate their expected Gypsy and Traveller housing needs but it is inappropriate for residents to be isolated from services and put next to a major industrial estate. Having visited the site twice in the summer with my constituents and attended a local businesses meeting, it is clear that there are significant safety concerns with the road which have not been addressed and there has been a lack of proper engagement with the concerns local businesses have. Planning policies are clear that sites like these should be located near local services but the closest schools, GP surgeries and bus stops to Drakes Lane are about two miles away. It is unrealistic to suggest that a future garden village in the area will address this issue because those plans have not been approved and will take many years to bring forward.”
“There are many unanswered questions and problems with these proposals and I will be working with businesses in the industrial estate. My constituents and the local community to campaign for this application to be refused.”