Controversial permanent travellers' site plan rejected again

The blueprints for the seven-acre site off Styrrup Road, Oldcotes, were rejected at a Bassetlaw District Council planning committee meeting at Worksop Town Hall on Wednesday, February 10 - which was attended by hundreds of residents protesting about the proposals.

A total of 754 objection letters were submitted, including one from Bassetlaw MP John Mann, as well as a number of objections from parish councils.

Councillor David Smith, chairman of Styrrup and Oldcotes Parish Council, told the committee: “The level of concern surrounding the issue is demonstrated by more than 700 objections.

“I have great difficulty in understanding why we are here at all. This application is extremely similar to the previous application that was rejected and then denied on appeal.

“Such a development will change the character and appearance of Oldcotes, Styrrup and the surrounding villages forever.”

Two similar applications for the site have been refused and two others have been withdrawn, dating back to 2008.

The latest plans included a total of 10 plots, four of which would have been for the applicant and their family members, with the remaining six plots to meet the “general need for showpeople’s quarters”.

Speaking on behalf of some Oldcotes residents, Richard Wayhill said: “This site would be an intrusion into our countryside, there be would a considerable impact.

“There are no jobs to be created for Bassetlaw, just unnecessary expense and great disturbance.”

A spokesman for the travellers said: “Many families are forced to live in dangerous and overcrowded conditions. This is simply not acceptable in this day and age.

“I appreciate that these are often controversial applications.

“The more sustainable the location, the more objections, as is here. Other than objections from residents and parish councils, there are no longer any statutory objections to the proposal.”

Councillors voted unanimously to reject the plans.