PLANS for a new Gypsy and Traveller site near a village outside Bridgwater have been submitted.

The scheme would see three permanent pitches, eight private transit pitches, a stable block and agricultural storage barn, along with parking arrangements for a dog walking area created on land around half a mile north of Puriton.

There are already several Gypsy and Traveller sites surrounding the plot, which has permission for use as a dog walking field and would be retained.

A planning application for the proposals has been submitted to Somerset Council by HC Planning on behalf of J Isaacs.

“This application is made party retrospectively, as works have been carried out on site, to include hard surfacing and erection of boundary fences and walls,” the application said.

“Prior to the commencement of any work, the land was laid to pasture and has previously been grazed by horses.”

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It said the current dog walking field would still be used, “with minor alterations to the parking arrangements”, as well as “for equestrian uses”, which would be relocated if the plans are approved.

“There are no neighbouring dwellings or buildings located nearby that would be unduly affected by the proposal and is considered that the proposal will sit comfortably within the site and the surroundings,” the application added.

“It is noted that the surrounding land uses comprise of existing Gypsy and Traveller sites.”

Previously, permission had been granted for the use of land at the site as a dog walking area, as well as the building and use of barns, stables, and shelters.

The application went on: “It is proposed to provide three permanent pitches which will provide settled bases for the three families who will occupy the site.

“Each pitch will comprise of a static caravan, touring caravan, two parking spaces and a day room.

“Pitch 3 is proposed to have a large day room, including an office, as this is proposed to be occupied by the applicant, who will be managing the dog park and transit site.

“Pitch 3 also includes a small stable block of three stables and a tack room, along with an agricultural storage building, to facilitate the grazing and management of the wider land parcel.

“The stable block would measure 13.5 metres in length and would be four metres wide, with timber clad walls and a corrugated fibre cement roof.

“The storage building would have a corrugated fibre cement roof and green metal clad walls, overall the building would measure 12.05m by 18.2m, with a maximum ridge height of 7.23m.

“In addition, it is proposed to provide an eight pitch transit site, with each pitch comprising of a concrete base for siting a touring caravan, along with two vehicle parking spaces.

“Each pitch has been designed to have appropriate facilities, including an electric and water connection, along with access to the shared facilities on site, to accommodate occupation for temporary periods.

“The transit site benefits from a shared utility area, along with male and female washing and toilet facilities.

“There is also a central grass area, for amenity and suitable vehicular turning space.”

For more details on the plans, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 42/25/00015.

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