Planning application made for controversial travellers camp in Blackburn

A backdated planning application has been submitted for a controversial ‘unlawful’ travellers’ encampment currently occupying grassland near the Darwen’s Whitehall Park.

The arrival of caravans on the private land off Bolton Road led to town hall officials issuing a stop notice to prevent hardcore being laid to make way for 18 caravans – of which six would be permanent – at the site.

Blackburn with Darwen Council then issued an enforcement notice over the lack of the required planning permission for the development.

This was then appealed to the government’s planning inspectorate by the landowner putting any further action to clear the site of caravans by the authority on hold.

In December angry local residents attended the borough’s ruling executive board suppported by Darwen South Labour councillor Anthony Shaw to accuse the council of failing to act over the unauthorised encampment.

Now Thomas Young has submitted a retrospective planning application for the land at Hall Moss Farm, Bolton Road, Darwen.

It is for its change of use from agriculture to gypsy caravan site with six plots each plot to have one static caravan and two mobile caravans.

It also asks for permission for new utility block, porous stone hard standing and associated fencing.

West Pennine ward Conservative councillors Julie and Neil Slater have vowed to oppose the application.

A Design and Access statement submitted with the application says: “The parcel of land extends to over eight hectares however the proposal is restricted to some 8,000 square metres adjacent to the access track.

“The site has been used until recently for agriculture although the specific nature of the farming is not clear.

“The site is located within reasonable walking distances of main bus services on Bolton Road which also provides a range of shops and other services.

“The application is for change of use from agricultural land to a gypsy caravan site housing six plots with associated utility blocks, hardstanding and timber post and panel fencing.

“Proposals include for the siting of six static caravans and provision of additional spaces for the siting of more traditional mobile homes.

“A laurel or other suitable evergreen hedging will be planted to screen the frontage and provide increased biodiversity.

“Bat and bird boxes will be provided at six locations as will two log/rubble Hibernacula adjacent to the track for any local newt populations.

“Tree planting will provide shelter and nesting opportunities for the several species of birds.

“Separation distances will be maintained at a minimum of six metres with all plots having the benefit of mains services.”

Cllrs Julie and Neil Slater issued a statement in response to the application saying: “We strongly object to this application, as do the residents.

“There is no need for it. It’s on green belt. And we feel they will try to have it enlarged at a later date.

“We have consistently campaigned against it on behalf of our residents and that has not changed.”

A Blackburn with Darwen Council statement said: “A retrospective planning application has now been registered for land to the south of Whitehall Park, known as Hall Moss Farm.

“A statutory 21-day consultation period will run until January 27.

“All neighbouring properties as well as statutory and non-statutory consultees will be notified.

“Notices will also be displayed in the area around the site, including on the perimeter of the park.

“We are committed to keeping residents updated about the unlawful encampment.

“We first responded to complaints about it in May 2024.

“An appeal against the enforcement notice has since been lodged and a formal procedure is underway with the Planning Inspectorate to review that.

“Until that is concluded, no further works are permitted.

“Our planning enforcement team has been visiting the site regularly to ensure to ensure the notice is fully complied with.”