יקוואַלאַטי אין פּלאַננינג

In February 2013, Nikki Sinclaire MEP published a policy paper: 'Equality in Planning; A fresh look at unlawful development and a new deal for travellers, settled communities, and the environment'. She explains the rationale behind her paper, and the policy proposals it contains.

On 30 April 2010, whilst meeting with constituents in Solihull, I received a call from
a resident of Meriden. This is the charming and historic small town that proudly lays
claims to be at the very geographical centre of England. In fact, this peaceful, leafy, and friendly community, with its war memorial serenely standing on its beautifully tended green, might also be seen to represent the spiritual heart of our country.
But the call I received was one of distress. A large field on the eastern edge of Meriden had been taken over by travellers, and men and machines were frantically tearing up Green Belt land – which they had legally purchased – to create hard standings and infrastructure in order to create a traveller’s camp. No planning permission had been given, although an application had been handed into Solihull Council just moments before they closed for the Bank Holiday.

This was to be a fait accompli.

But in a stunning display of community spirit, the residents rallied around,
blockaded roads leading to the site, and mounted what was to become a 24 hour,
7 day a week vigil outside the camp. They were to experience intimidation from
the travellers, from the police, and from the local council, but their resolve never
wavered. Every legal avenue was explored and exploited; every move was watched
and challenged. Jan 23 2013 marked the 1000th day of this extraordinary fight
back. It was a fight for fairness, and for equality before the law. It was a fight for the
Green Belt that is always under threat from planners, and which must be preserved
for future generations. It was a fight for the rights of homeowners and residents to
enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the community that they had all helped to build.
I have spent countless days and nights on the piquet with the good folk of
Meriden, standing in the rain with a bowl of soup in my hands, and enjoying the
camaraderie. I have made many trips to Solihull Council to give evidence, and have
written in the press in their support. I have also made many good friends.
But conflict of interests lies at the very heart of politics. Whilst the good folk of
Meriden have every right to protect their legitimate interests, so the law-abiding
travelling community has the right to protect its own interests.

I have become aware over the last two and a half years of failings in the system -
failings that adversely affect both sides in this dispute. In areas such as healthcare
and education, for example, travellers are disadvantaged. There are also failures
to provide adequate space for travellers in many areas. John Prescott’s ridiculous
edict that effectively gives travellers ‘special rights’ has created resentment towards
travellers amongst the settled community. If one feels marginalised, then exploiting
loopholes in the planning system, and acting in opportunist self-interest may seem
to be the only way forward.

אַדווערטייזמאַנט

Add to this mix unscrupulous property developers, attaching themselves to the
travelling community and cynically using them in order to justify inappropriate
and illegal development in the pursuit of profit, the abuse of Green Belt land that
will anger many no matter how far away they may be from any inappropriate
development, and we can see that genuine travellers and their families are caught
אינמיטן.

My offers to meet with the travellers were sadly rejected, although I can fully
understand why they might be suspicious of politicians.
But I was elected to serve all residents of the West Midlands, and so that end,
I have produced this document, in which I explore possible policy options
from which I hope that we can address the problems of the travellers, give
reassurance and security not only to the residents of Meriden but to all, and to end
the ‘them and us’ nature of this issue.

An Englishman’s home is his castle, but I would argue that every Englishman, or
woman, regardless of their lifestyle should have the chance to acquire a home, and
that all communities should be able to live side by side without fear or suspicion.
Laws should not merely be respected, but they must be worthy of the respect of
all. At the time of writing, this is clearly not the case. We must fix it.

Nikki Sinclaire sits on the European Parliament's Human Rights subcommittee.

 

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