Residents up in arms over travellers site proposal

Residents are calling for people to fight against a travellers site reportedly planned in Holton le Clay, however, the council involved say no decision has been made.

Posts on social media regarding North East Lincolnshire Council plans to use the village’s former airfield for a site have raised a number of responses.

Neil Caffrey, who was one of those to post on social media, told Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Jaines: “The area at the moment is going through so many changes be it Toll Bar roundabout, the new homes proposed opposite Toll Bar, the new houses in Holton le clay and now potentially this.

“Statistics show that crime rate increases and house prices fall in surrounding areas when a traveller site is local.

“I believe the reaction on social media tells you everything you need to know about the locals’ feelings towards this project.

“The council will deny that a decision has been made but this is the only site out for technical consultation.

“I can assure you this is happening and the locals need to fight against it before it’s too late.”

Grimsby Town Hall. Photo: David Wright

The posts say the plans are being made jointly with East Lindsey, however, the latter says it does not own the site and its main role will only be to consider a planning application if one is received.

They have said they are not in talks for a common use of the site.

North East Lincolnshire Council however has moved to reassure residents that ‘no decision has been made’.

A spokesman did not confirm the accuracy of the reports when asked, however said: “The process for allocating land to be a potential designated stop-over site is understandably quite complex.

“In order to understand whether a site is suitable or not for this purpose, we first have to undergo a technical consultation, whether or not that site is in or out of North East Lincolnshire. This is the stage we’re at at the moment.

“In this case, the site is outside the borough. No decisions of any kind have been made.”

It is understood the authority has already looked at 21 previous sites.

A post on the Holton Le Clay Parish Council Facebook says the authority has “received no information” from either ELDC or NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council have been looking to identify traveller accommodation following a survey in 2014 which identified a need for 12 permanent pitches and five for visiting groups by 2029.

According to the North East Lincolnshire Local Plan, there is currently only one location providing permanent gypsy and traveller facilities in the borough and is located at Habrough.