Copyright manchestereveningnews
Residents of the picturesque backwater village have launched a campaign against the siting of two pitches for caravans for the Traveller and Gypsy community on their doorstep. The Dunham Massey residents insist their objections are not founded on prejudice against such communities, but say the half-acre plot off Seamon Road is ‘fundamentally inappropriate’ for the uses proposed in Trafford ’s draft Local Plan. They cite the National Trust-owned land as being too close to the Bridgewater Canal, thus endangering the lives of any children from the site, and congestion from a nearby industrial park, which they say already causes ‘dangerous congestion’ on the road. To see planning applications; traffic and road diversions and layout changes; and more, visit the Public Notices Portal HERE In a further twist, a National Trust spokesperson said they would be submitting an objection to the proposal. Semi-retired Prevez Chowdhary, 67, says he has sunk his life-savings into converting the former Bay Malton pub, right oppose the site, into an eight-bedroom home for his extended family. He is one of 130 residents who turned out to Dunham Massey Village Hall on Friday evening to voice strong objections to the plan. “We are very upset that Trafford council have not properly engaged with the residents over this plan,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). “It’s a fundamentally inappropriate location for such caravans. There is also major congestion here because of its close location to an industrial park and there’s no way the safety of children playing can be guaranteed because the site is right next to the canal.” Marie, 82, is another worried resident. Her home backs directly onto the canal. She said: “We’ve nothing against the Traveller community. They are good people. But I would be worried about the safety of their children playing near the canal, which is at least 6ft deep, with unknown debris lurking under the water. “Also the traffic here is awful at the best of times. There must be other more appropriate places for this elsewhere in Trafford.” Neighbour Julia Chester, 69, agreed, also mentioning concern over the non-designated heritage asset Rose Cottage, which is part of the site. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Rose Cottage has been unoccupied for at least the last 10 years, and residents believe it is worthy of restoration. “It dates back to 1839. This part of Dunham Massey is full of local history and should be preserved as a heritage site,” she said. “I know several people who have cancelled their National Trust subscriptions because of this proposal.” Meanwhile, Trafford’s Conservative opposition group has thrown its weight behind the residents’ campaign. Commenting following the public meeting on Friday, Coun Shengke Zhi said on Facebook: “It was clear that the overwhelming majority of residents strongly oppose this proposal. Over the past few weeks, I have written to the council’s chief executive [Sara Todd] and local planning officers requesting a dedicated consultation session in [nearby] Oldfield Brow. “Unfortunately, the council rejected this request and also declined to attend the community meeting, despite our invitation.” He said the Local Plan consultation closes on November 3 and urged residents to have their say before the deadline. However, the Green Party and the controlling Labour group are in favour of the caravans' placement at the site. Coun Lisa Hancock, who represents the Bowdon ward, told the LDRS: “The site is right opposite the Transpennine Trail, and should be protected as a heritage site. I do not agree with the use of the land on National Trust property as a Traveller site and I know the residents agree that it would be inappropriate.” Council leader Coun Tom Ross said: “The council has a clear legal duty to plan for the needs of all communities — including Gypsy and Traveller families — and to do so in a fair and responsible way. “We understand the concerns residents have raised following the illegal encampments this summer. That's why these modest proposals — for just two caravan pitches — are part of a proactive approach to planning for our borough's future. “Once again, Trafford Conservatives are choosing to play politics and create division rather than contribute to practical solutions. In contrast, Trafford Labour are focused on continuing to drive our borough forward. “We encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and have their say.” Green Party group leader Coun Hannah Spencer said: "Some locals had hoped Rose Cottage, currently owned by the National Trust, could become a cafe. Lots of people pass here along the Bridgewater Canal and Transpennine Trail. "Obviously, it is important that the council fulfils its statutory duty to provide two permanent pitches in Trafford. The Gypsy and Traveller community is in need of suitable accommodation like this. This consultation allows residents to have their say." A council spokesperson said: “The council has a statutory obligation to identify a site for residential caravans for gypsies and travellers through the Local Plan. "There is an identified need for provision for two residential caravans within the borough.“As with all policies within the draft Local Plan, the proposed site is subject to full public consultation. No final decision has been made on any proposed development at this time. “The results of the consultation will be included in the final version of the Local Plan which will be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent scrutiny by the Planning Inspectorate next year." They said that to take part, people should go online to: trafford.gov.uk/planning/strategic-planning/local-plan/trafford-local-plan.aspx” The National Trust spokesperson said: "Having been in discussions with potential buyers for the land at Rose Cottage for future employment use, we were surprised to hear about the change of site allocation. "Any funds raised will help us to carry out our charitable work and look after Dunham Massey for years to come. "We will be submitting our objection to the proposal, as it undermines the potential of the site to support our long-term stewardship of Dunham Massey." Join our Christmas in Manchester WhatsApp group HERE
