Fury at thumbs-up to Russell Street gypsy site
THE city's first permanent gypsy site was given the go-ahead by councillors last night – to the disgust of residents.
Plans for the 17-pitch site on Rolls-Royce land in Russell Street were approved by the planning control committee of Derby City Council.
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ON WAY: Russell Street site
It was despite huge opposition from ward councillors, residents and the landowner, Rolls-Royce.
At a previous meeting, Councillor Baggy Shanker was successful in getting the full council to urge cabinet to withdraw the application but cabinet refused, leaving the committee to decide on the plan.
The camp will have purpose-built facilities for travellers currently at the unofficial Glossop Street site and will be paid for using the £1.4m awarded to the council by Government.
Council officers said the site was needed under Government guidelines, which mean local authorities cannot move on travellers if there is not an official site in the area.
But Mick Whitehead, of Elton Road, in Osmaston, said the site had not been deemed big enough by the council's own independent consultants.
"I am furious," he said after the meeting.
9 Comments
by jon, derby
Friday, September 05 2008, 2:50PM
“Residents should ask advise regarding how much this site is going to affect the values of their properties and their future saleability. Doubtless they will be a massive negative impact and they should pursue the City Council for adequate compensation. The whole saga is a total disgrace.”
by Mary, chellaston
Friday, September 05 2008, 1:53PM
“I am glad its gone here a lot better than Chellaston.”
by Craig, Chad
Friday, September 05 2008, 1:32PM
“You do realise what they do is base themselves at permanent sites, then go off to other (illegal) sites for a couple of days and demand that the owners pay them to leave”
by Chris, Derby
Friday, September 05 2008, 12:35PM
“I remember when Normanton Barracks was proposed a s a so-called Gypsy site, by the then County Council.
I remember the shops that went out of business due to thieving by the travellers who lived on the site illegally. I remember how they broke into my neighbour's house and also managed to break the lock on my back door, but the bolts held them back.
I remember the carnage - the rubbish tip of Warwick Avenue.
Local protest groups won the day and we ended up with a multi-screen cinema, bowling alley, Bingo hall, a pub and fast food - not all good but it brought jobs and prosperity to the area. Rolls Royce would be wise to rethink their plans for the Russell Street area, Councillors should be made accountable for these decisions.”
by graham, chaddesden
Friday, September 05 2008, 11:38AM
“I would like to know how many of the planning control commitee live in the Russel Street area, none of them would be my guess. Unlike Robert of Osmaston I do have a problem with the way some people choose to live their lives especially when it impacts on other people. These people are not real gypsies they are travellers and what sort of place would we live in if ALL of us decided that we did not want to pay tax, insure our vehicles, keep our environment tidy, traet others with respect etc etc? They take from society and give nothing back, why should Rolls-Royce give up some of their land for these people? What are the local residents going to get? A rise in crime is guaranteed, a lot less pleasant atmosphere and a big mess as soon as the travellers decide they have had enough and move on. Robert does make one excellent point-what if Rolls Royce decide they dont like being dictated to and decide to move on themselves?”
by KEVIN, not allenton
Friday, September 05 2008, 11:14AM
“well done the council. not on my door step. thank you”
by KEVIN, think id better not say
Friday, September 05 2008, 11:12AM
“i think it's well placed.”
by KEVIN, chaddesden
Friday, September 05 2008, 11:09AM
“fits right in there”
by ROBERT, OSMASTON,DERBY.
Friday, September 05 2008, 9:44AM
“Yet again the council doing what they think we want,instead of what we realy want.I have no problem with how these people want to lead their lives or anybody else for that fact. If they want a permenant home buy a house and pay taxes like everyone else,but we know this will never happen.This site should be put on the outskirts not in a residential area.This plan may cause ROLLS ROYCE too change their plans for the area which will be bad news for us here.”