'Robust’ approach to unauthorised sites (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Winchester planner vow after traveller saga in Ropley

3:11pm Thursday 21st January 2010 in Alresford By Chris Harris

PLANNERS have vowed to take “robust” action if travellers move onto unauthorised sites in the Winchester district.

It comes after a new landowner moved two caravans and a septic tank onto a field in Ropley without gaining planning permission.

Villagers raised the alarm with East Hampshire District Council, which ordered that no more development could take place without planning consent.

Simon Finch, head of planning control at Winchester City Council, said if a similar position arose in Winchester, enforcement action would become a priority.

“It’s not impossible but it’s quite difficult to stop people going on a site,” he said.

“We’re often only find out after the event.

“But if it’s unauthorised and something we found was unacceptable — such as impact on landscape or neighbouring properties — then we would take robust action.”

Mr Finch said later this year the authority would be given a target number of pitches it has to provide for gypsies and travellers.

He said the South East England Partnership Board would begin the process next month (February).

Once the authority has an allocation, it will use the local development planning framework to decide how to meet the prescribed numbers.