Published Date:
22 November 2007
The sites were picked because of their proximity to traveller routes, closeness to services and amenities and the fact they were not near properties.
The Spalding Marsh site put forward as one of two permanent places was described as "one of the best" on the table by deputy council leader Coun Nick Worth.
He added: "It's not near anybody. It's relatively close to services in Spalding, it's got access straight off the A16. It's excellent."
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Land west of the A151 at Holbeach was found to be in a good location due to its proximity to services, schools and the A17.
Coun Worth raised concerns that the land opposite had been designated for employment uses but other councillors agreed the site would be suitable and it was also selected to go forward for planning approval.
The Wingland site, put forward as an emergency stopping place,was said to be a "cracking" one by Coun Worth.
He added: "It's got good access off the A17, a travellers' route and it's got good access to amenities.
Cranmore Lane was discarded because of the moral implications of progressing an illegal site and the fact it did not meet the council's criteria in that the land was next to two neighbouring properties.
The A16 Drain Bank was ruled out for several reasons, including the cost of building a new bridge and because of previous planning issues surrounding the location of a temporary camp there which was allowed on planning appeal after it was refused because of highways issues.
Councillors ruled out the Quadring site mainly because of the potential economic impact it would have on a neighbouring agricultural business.
The Tydd St Mary site had merit because of its proximity to well used travellers' routes but concerns were raised about possible contamination on the site.
Surfleet, put forward as an emergency stopping place, was felt to be inappropriate because it had a sewage works directly behind it.
Four of the nine cabinet members declared an interest and took no part in the debate.
Couns Amanda Puttick, Roger Gambba-Jones and Howard Johnson all sit on the council's development control committee and had they taken part would have ruled themselves out of the decision to determine planning permission on any of the sites.
Coun Michael Seymour also declared a prejudicial interest. That left Gary Porter, Nick Worth, Paul Przyszlak, Paul Espin and Gary Taylor to decide.
Because five councillors were left, the decision could still be made because its quorum is four – the minimum number of members of a deliberative body necessary to conduct the business of that group.
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Last Updated:
22 November 2007 8:59 AM
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Source:
Spalding Guardian
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Location:
Spalding
