'Significant barrier' to development on site targeted by travellers

Graeme Alexander last week criticised the council for blocking his proposals for Chepping Hall in Sewardstone Road, Chingford, after travellers moved onto the site two weeks ago. 

He said the site, which currently contains a scout hut and community hall dating from the 1960s, has been occupied more than a dozen times since he purchased the land from the council a decade ago. 

But the council has said it must abide by the government's policy on green belt land, making any development difficult. 

Cabinet member for economic growth and high streets, Cllr Clare Coghill, said: "Officers from the council’s planning department have met with Mr Alexander on a number of occasions to discuss his proposals for the site. 

"We have always been clear that the site is on designated greenbelt land and there are significant barriers to developing anything that is not consistent with the aims of enhancing or protecting its greenbelt status. 

"The buildings on the site are historic and, according to government greenbelt policy, have limited weight when considering what future development is or is not appropriate." 

Mr Alexander abandoned a proposal to renovate the existing community hall and build a doctor's surgery in 2012 and later approached the council with a proposal for affordable or social housing.   

He said: "[The council] has effectively made it worthless by saying there is nothing that can do done.  

"Why are they not thinking of what the local people want? 

"It is overrun with rats and a complete eyesore. 

"I continuously try to do things to keep the travellers off, but they get round it. 

"What we have here is commonly known as a stalemate."  

Mr Alexander has said he will now seek a repossession order in order to clear the site.  

Caravans and transit vans on the site in Sewardstone Road, Chingford