Tipton land owner hits out over gypsy site proposal

OWNERS of land next to Tipton s Woods Farm Recycling Centre were concerned that the site had been earmarked as a potential gypsy and traveller site- and would have fought the bid had it not been scrapped.

OWNERS of land next to Tipton's Woods Farm Recycling Centre were "concerned" that the site had been earmarked as a potential gypsy and traveller site- and would have fought the bid had it not been scrapped.

The Herald reported last week how East Devon District Council had identified the Devon County Council-owned facility as a potential pitch only to be told the centre would not close in the near future.

Clinton Devon Estates, which owns nearby woodland, revealed this week it had also has also opposed the proposal.

Estates director John Varley said: "We own Harpford Wood and we are also concerned if that was designated for travellers or gypsies, we would anticipate it would damage the nature conservation area.

"In due course we will be writing to the district council about the site and if any readers have equal concerns, we would ask them to write to the council as well.

"It's in a nature conservation area. It's a very rich mosaic of different species. It's a lovely wood and some of the wildlife is quite scarce and it's also commercial woodland."

Mr Varley also said he would be concerned about public access if site went ahead.