Application seeks retrospective approval for a caravan site on Green Belt land near Harpenden, facing local opposition.
Right now, people use that land for horses. The plan wants one space for a family, specifically a Gypsy or Traveller family.
Each space has hard ground that water can pass through. They can park one mobile home, and a touring caravan can also fit. They also want a small building on the site.
This building isn’t for sleeping but for daily needs. The caravan would then be for sleeping.
Many people oppose the plan; over seventy filed objections. Most worry about the Green Belt land. People want to protect the countryside from development.
Some cited over-burdened public services. Schools and doctors already have high demand. More people could worsen current access problems.
The applicant thinks the location is good because essential services are nearby. They also feel the plan is harmless and say it won’t hurt the countryside scenery.
They claim a lack of other suitable sites exists. The housing crisis makes land expensive. Therefore, this location is important.
The public can comment until March 1, 2025. To read the full application, search for 5/2024/2214 on St Albans council’s website.