Blackburn travellers camp fears

Town hall officials are monitoring a plot of land in Darwen after fears were raised it is being developed for an unauthorised travellers’ camp.

Nearby residents have alerted local councillors to their concerns and are proposing raise a petition on the issue.

Now Blackburn with Darwen Council officials are monitoring work on the site in Pole Land which was granted planning permission for a new three-bedroom house in 2023.

The residents’ concern is the latest such issue to come to the attention of the local authority.

It is already monitoring an alleged unauthorised encampment in St James Street in Mill Hill, Blackburn, and in the midst of a planning enforcement and appeal process regarding a similar development on at Hall Moss Farm near Darwen’s Whitehall Park.

Residents have also expressed concern over the arrival of a family in a horse lorry on on land near the former Crown and Thistle pub in Roman Road between Edgworth and Darwen whose occupants strongly deny being travellers but say they are Blackburnians who ‘choose to live an alternative life style’.

One householder living near the Pole Lane site told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “A new traveller site seems to be being prepared at Pole Lane.

“It seems Blackburn with Darwen council have yet to get their act together in preventing unlawful development and local residents are up in arms.”

A spokeswoman for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “We are aware of the concerns raised in relation to an alleged encampment at a site on Pole Lane, Darwen.

“Planning permission was granted in 2023 for the development of a new dwelling on this land.

“Following contact from local residents, our officers have inspected the site.

“A gate and fence have been installed, and groundwork has been undertaken to create a hardstanding area.

“Therefore, further enquiries will be carried out to understand the intentions of the landowner, prior to considering next steps.

“We are continuing to monitor the site, and will take formal action if necessary, to ensure compliance with planning regulations.”

In 2023 the council granted planning permission with 15 conditions for a new detached dormer bungalow on land adjacent to 14 Pole Lane, Darwen, to Mrs L Gornall.

The plot was the garden to the neighbouring property.

A letter from residents to Darwen South ward’s councillors says: “I am sure you are aware already, but I just wanted to draw your attention to the traveller camp that is currently being constructed on Pole Lane.

“Darwen already has multiple traveller encampments and I believe the council obligation has already been met to house them. So why more?”

Darwen South Labour councillor Anthony Shaw said: “I’m aware of the plot of land and have raised it with the planning department a number of weeks ago.

“The land is not council-owned and there is no approval for any site on the plot.

“As far as I can tell is in private ownership and any work would have to go through the planning process as normal.

“This would include opportunity for residents to comment and if necessary object.

“I will be pushing for enforcement on anything that is put on the site that is in breach of planning regulations.

“I would ask the owners to ensure they gain planning permission for any work they intend to carry out at the site in order to avoid any problems.”