Fight against extra Pulborough traveller pitches is backed by parish council

The council has added its weight to the efforts of residents, in objecting to big growth plans for a gypsy and traveller site in Codmore Hill.

The intervention was welcomed by local residents’ action group, Codmore Against Rural Decline (C.A.R.D), which first took up this issue, on Hill Farm Lane.

Phil Hale, chair of C.A.R.D, said: “We’re very encouraged by the Parish Council’s clear support.

“The original permissions granted for this site ignored the views of the local community.

“Now we face a situation with far greater consequences and urge Horsham District Council to take note.”

Conditional permission was granted by the district council in September 2019 for two pitches, a C.A.R.D spokesman said.

He added: “Plans submitted last month by the Worthing-based land owners propose a massive intensification of the same site, totalling six mobile home pitches, six caravan pitches and space for up to 12 vehicles.

“Referencing the Government’s own planning policy for traveller sites, Pulborough Parish Council (PPC) and C.A.R.D both argue strongly that such intensification would more than double the residences in the area overnight and dominate the small community there.

“PPC also reminded HDC that their own 2017 Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocation Plan identified more than enough pitches for the next 10 years.”

A parish council spokesman said the plans would ‘overwhelm the character’ of the area.

Consultations end in April, with the outcome due to be determined by HDC Planning Committee (South), on 25 May.

Horsham District Council has been approached for comment.

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