Neighbours object to Sibsey caravans for farm workers

A plan to build accommodation for dozens of farm workers have met resistance from neighbours.

15 caravans would be located at Staple Brothers’ Station Farm in Sibsey, near Boston.

East Lindsey District Council is set to approve the plans at next week’s meeting, but local people claim the road is too dangerous for it.

They say workers would be forced to walk down the grass verge of a busy road in order to get to the nearest village.

It isn’t clear how many people each caravan could house, however only six new parking spaces would be created.

One resident who was concerned about accidents said: “To get to facilities in the centre of Sibsey would require waking on a grass verge for some distance along a busy road. In my opinion, this makes the site unsuitable for caravan accommodation.”

The Environment Agency initially objected due to worries over flood risks and whether the drainage system could cope with the number of caravans.

They later withdrew this after plans were reduced from 20 to 15 caravans and more information was provided on flood prevention measures.

The original plans for on-site caravans at the farm (these have now been scaled back) | Photo: Staple Brothers Ltd

An objection made before the plans were scaled back said: “20 static caravans or 20 new houses, there’s no difference. All require access to local services and would create additional pressures.

“My main concern however is the increase in traffic. Station Road is already a busy and dangerous road. Trying to cross on foot can be dangerous if you are not very quick on your feet.”

Another resident said: “Traffic is extremely busy and potentially dangerous down the road with large lorries and tractors as well as cars.”

The Parish Council said they were concerned that “any consent would effectively set a precedent and this may lead to many more caravans in future being placed on the site.”

A planning committee will meet on Thursday, August 4 to decide the application.