Plans for gypsy traveller pitch off Bursledon Road

An application has been put forward to Eastleigh Borough Council requesting permission to change the use of land currently used to store pigs. 

The site at The Paddock on Shop Lane, Bursledon is currently made up of a steel portal-framed building along with several pig runs. 

But under new plans by the landowner, the site could undergo a change of use that would see a gypsy traveller pitch and day room set up on site. 

The applicant and his family have been living in the area for their whole lives in static caravans and for the past five years, have been living in a mobile home elsewhere in the borough, the plans say. 

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But now they have been told that the land they live on is due to be redeveloped and that they must move.

If approved, the area would include space for one static mobile home which would serve as the main residence, as well as a day room for use as 'extra space' during the day with shower, clothes washing, and toilet facilities.

Access would be provided through the existing entrance on Shop Lane near to its junction with Botley Road. 

The 1.6 acre site sits just southwest of a travelling showperson and gypsy traveller site at 'the old fairground'. 

A Google Maps view of the site on Shop Lane, Bursledon (Image: Eastleigh Planning Portal)

The applicant states that the family, which includes two children, "strongly wish to stay within the Eastleigh Borough as they have connections and roots in the local community and lived locally for their whole lives."

It adds: "This application would seek to ensure that the applicant and his family can remain in the vicinity to access the services and community in which they have lived for many years, avoiding the need to return to roadside living.

"The applicant works as a roofer and has a work van for this purpose which requires appropriate driveway space.

"The children are registered with the local GP's surgery and are enrolled in and attend the local primary school.

"There is a clear need for the family to move locally and this location is a sustainable, well located and appropriately sized plot for the proposed use.

"The proposal would not result in any local landscape harm or any material change or amalgamation of the settlement gap between Sholing and Bursledon."

A consultation is currently underway and is due to conclude on September 2, with a decision due to be made on October 31.