‘A DANGEROUS precedent’ would be set if plans to expand a travellers’ site in Cossington were approved, according to the parish council.

The application is to expand the existing site at Henshirl Paddocks where there is permission for four mobile home pitches, a day room and space for a touring caravan. 

The proposal is to add a fifth pitch, however the plan has been met with a number of objections, including from Cossington Parish Council and neighbouring Woolavington Parish Council.
But Cossington Parish Council hit out at ‘control’ over the current site.

“The site in question is, in essence, a small residential dwelling allowed in a countryside location as an exception for gypsies and travellers and should, therefore, be subject to strict control,” the council said in its objection.
“It is clearly evident that such control has been lacking.”

The council response says there have been contraventions to the number of caravans on site, the access and visibility and drainage.
It added: “The contraventions are such that the appearance and nature of the site has changed significantly from what was originally approved. 

“Subsequent approval of this application would set a dangerous precedent for similar sites in the district and would have a lasting detrimental effect on the local area.”

The council also highlights that ‘excessive use of hard landscaping’ gives the impression that the site is deliberately being ‘shielded and isolated’ to the wider community.

Woolavington Parish Council has also objected, saying the proposals would represent cramped over-development of the site.
A further 16 objections have also been submitted by residents in the area.

The Henshirl Paddocks are run by the Isaacs family, believed to be one of the oldest Romani Gypsy families in Somerset.

The application states: “Over the years the children of Romani Gypsy families have married to start their own families but, having no pitch provision in the area, have found themselves homeless, having to share pitches or stop on the roadside.

“Here, we have older parents willing to provide their children and their families with a permanent home at no cost to the local taxpayer.”

The plan will go before Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee on August 29. Officers are recommending the plan is approved, with conditions.