A TRAVELLER site is looking to expand its number of homes.

Proposals have been submitted to Colchester Council to add three new static caravans on the existing two-caravan Gypsy Traveller site at Plot 3, Orchard Place, in Vernons Road, Chappel.

The site is split into three distinct plots.

The proposal is to increase the number of static caravans on one of the plots.

No changes are proposed for the other two.

Colchester Council’s planning committee is set to agree the plans at a meeting on Thursday.

The plans have been referred to the committee due to concerns from a councillor.

William Sunnucks, Tory councillor for Rural North, has raised concerns about possible overdevelopment of the site, sewage treatment capacity, associated business activities on site and the highways network capacity at the junction with the A1124. 

The council’s planning officer said although the proposed caravans would be “relatively close together” it is acceptable as it is a private site and not a public caravan site.

The council is also awaiting confirmation from Essex Fire Service that the plans are acceptable in terms of public safety.

The council officer’s report states: “The proposed addition of three static caravans to this established Gypsy Traveller site would help to meet the shortfall in such provision identified in the council’s adopted local plan.

"The application benefits from significant screening any external views of the proposed development from the public domain.

"Consequently, there are no concerns that the addition of three new units would have a materially harmful impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.  “There are no adopted parking standards for Travellers’ sites.

"Two spaces per caravan are shown on the proposed layout drawing submitted with this application. This is considered adequate.”

There is a significant shortage of suitable sites for Travellers across England.