6 days ago
Travellers using e-bike chargers to charm planners into approving new site, claim neighbours
A group of travellers is attempting to persuade councillors to approve a new settlement by including 'performative' e-bike chargers in their plans, villagers have claimed.
Michael Chalk and Tom Butler have made a retrospective application for the development in the New Forest village of Burley, Hants, where they have put up static caravans on former pony paddocks, and have included the chargers and cycle sheds in their plans.
But residents say the inclusion of the 'token sustainability features' does not offset the environmental impact of the application, which also includes two static caravans, two touring caravans, parking, bin stores, and boundary fencing.
One villager, Philip Mosley, said: 'Token sustainability features, such as electric vehicle and e-bike charging points, do not genuinely offset the environmental impacts of permanent housing, increased traffic, waste production and extensive hard surfaces.
'True sustainability should align naturally with the environmental context, rather than as serving as superficial additions.'
Mr Mosley warned that approval would set a 'concerning precedent' and encourage similar applications.
He added: ' Protecting the unique character of the New Forest National Park should be a top priority.'
Burley has a population of just over 1,300 and is surrounded by the open heathland of the New Forest.
The traveller site is located just off Ringwood Road, which runs through the historic village.
Andrew and Rachel Holloway live next to the paddocks, and said before the site was developed in March, they overlooked fields and hedgerows.
But they said the land has 'completely changed' since the travellers built on the site, adding: 'The pony paddocks have been urbanised, and the natural beauty of the fields and surrounding area in this conservation area damaged.'
'Superficial nods to sustainability'
Mr and Mrs Holloway also claimed the addition of the caravans and grey plastic bike sheds does not enhance the landscape and 'scenic beauty' of the New Forest
They said: 'It certainly harms the character and appearance of the area, and would never be considered as high‐quality design.'
Another neighbour argued: 'The application appears to exploit features – such as electric vehicle and e-bike charging points – as superficial nods to sustainability objectives. Sustainability, in planning terms, is holistic and must be contextually appropriate, not performative.'
More than 70 neighbours have objected to the plans.
Mr Chalk and Mr Butler have also been criticised for putting up 'threatening signage' outside the site when they moved in.
One sign reads: 'Strictly no entry without permission. Please beware. Reactive guard dogs roaming loose which will bite you.'
In their application, the two men say their families intend to integrate into village life, using local shops and other amenities.
In response to concerns raised by locals, Mr Chalk said he was 'surprised' to learn of the comments as he has 'only encountered positive and welcoming people in and around the village'.
He added that he wished to 'reassure those residents who have formed a negative opinion' that it is only Mr Butler's young family and his own family, who will be occupying the site.
He also claimed that in the event they were unable to remain, the land would be fully restored to its former equestrian stables and yard use.
The New Forest Park Authority will make a decision on the plans later this week.
