A Romani Gypsy family who illegally set up home in the open countryside wants to stay put permanently after complaining life on a traveller site was “intolerable”.
Council planning officials have recommended that Oathie Sykes and his extended family should be allowed to stay in the rural spot permanently after they rejected living at a designated traveller site.
But the proposed recommendations have seen strong opposition from dozens of local residents.
The family, which includes 11 children, once lived at an official council traveller site at Tara Park in Malton, North Yorkshire.
Oathie Sykes and his extended family want to stay permanently in the rural countryside - and the council agrees (file photos)
PA/Wikimedia Commons
Councillors received a report claiming there was space at the site for the family but the Sykes were “not currently eligible” as they keep banned chickens and livestock.
Family members also complained about the site being “conducive to their well-being”, adding that “anti-social behaviour” remained a problem.
The planning application to North Yorkshire Council for change of use of land stated in relation to Tara Park: “There is apparently no control of fly-tipping, raves, loud music playing, rat infestation and intolerable mixed tenants with threats of violence and total disregard of the Covid-19 regulations.”
The Sykes have also applied to run a dog breeding business and the family noted this as a reason to live at the rural site near Sheriff Hutton.
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The Sykes family had lived at an official traveller site at Tara Park in Maldon
Documents have stated the group’s 11 children all need healthcare and stability in schooling.
The Sykes family already have seven caravans at the site and want consent to set up four pitches, each with a static caravan, space for a touring caravan and parking.
An amenity building has also been requested to include a day room, kitchen, dining facilities, bathroom, shower facilities and laundry.
The council has received a total of 76 objections against the proposals.
Sheriff Hutton Parish Council argued the proposal would be an “inappropriate development of the open countryside”.
However, the planning officer’s report said it is important to consider the Equality Act of 2010 which protects Romani Gypsies.
She added that the scheme “would have a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the landscape” but would “not result in unacceptable harm” to neighbours.
The equality officer suggested conditions should apply to limit the number of caravans to eight and ending planning consent if the family moved away.
