Despite only having a few hours to consider the arguments for allowing four appeals by gypsy families to remain on a site in Stovolds Hill -there were some contentious exchanges between the interested parties.
A public inquiry was set for an 8-day hearing into the Doherty family’s appeal to remain living on a site north of Lydia Park.
However, midway through the first day of proceedings, Government Inspector Richard Clegg called a halt due to his ill health. He told the assembled crowd of legal eagles, expert witnesses, appellants, and planning and environmental experts that he was adjourning the Inquiry and that the office (The Inspectorate) would contact them on a date to be set.
Four parish councils, including Alfold, Dunsfold, Bramley, and Hascombe, joined Waverley Council to prevent the development of further sites for gypsies and travellers on Stovolds Hill. Only the chairman of Alfold’s Planning Committee had his say.
An eight day public inquiry into a Dunsfold Gypsy site has started
During his statement from all four parish councils, Alfold Cllr Chris Britton was at pains to point out that it was the social cohesion of the existing traveller and gypsy families and the settlement of Stovolds Hill and Alfold and villages that were of major concern.
However, before proceeding, he fell foul of barristers after producing a schedule of alleged recent antisocial behaviour incidents. Counsel for the Doherty family, Mr Alan Masters, asked the Inspector to rule as inadmissible—”in its entirety.” He said it was irrelevant and “totally objectionable” to point the finger at no known individuals and with no specific details, which could not be challenged.
Waverley’s barrister, Mr David Lintott, told the Inspector that any alleged ASB incidents did not form part of its case and had nothing to do with the appellants on the appeal sites, nor had he seen it before the hearing.
However, Inspector Richard Clegg said he would accept it and allowed Cllr Britton to proceed.
Cllr Britton said although all parish councils objected to the four appeals, he referred to the bigger picture,. All four parish councils believed that the outcome of the inquiry would be highly significant for the future of sustainable development in the locality. This would be the start of a new site with future implications. The issues affect the whole community, both gipsies and householders. They wanted a strong and healthy community and believed the extension wouldn’t assist future social sustainability.
“The issues we raise affect the whole community, travellers and settled alike. Gypsy sites should not dominate the local community.”
He called for socially well-balanced communities and social cohesion,- saying Stovolds Hill now had 198 static caravans and 47 touring caravans, clearly dominating the community,
To allow the appeal would further harm the balance.
He claimed the situation in Stovolds Hill had deteriorated rapidly over recent months when homes on the gypsy sites had been advertised on the open market bringing an influx of occupants. Without challenge or regulatory controls, this had led to a 100% increase and unsightly overdevelopment. He pointed at length to alleged anti-social behaviour incidents, where householders locked themselves in—and urged the Inspector to recognise the social consequences of further development.
His allegations were challenged later in the day.
Cllr Brtton produced an aerial photograph showing Hill Tops, New Acres, Lydia Park and the more recently developed legal traveller sites in relation to the settlement.
Cross-examination by Barristers followed.
To be continued…