Row over travellers' site application

A planning application has been submitted to Rotherham Borough Council for 12 traveller pitches and screening on land just off Chesterfield Road at Swallownest.

The development would be built next to the Pithouse West site, where national chain Gulliver’s hope to build a theme park, adventure centre, glamping woodland lodges, a hotel and holiday village.

A design and access statement submitted with the application said “the site may be accessed without having to travel through any towns or villages and is ideally located”.

But those living near the site claim there is “no logic behind the plans”.

One resident said: “I object totally to this application. It’s near a family pub and opposite an entrance to Rother Valley Country Park.

“I believe the council want to improve the area and make it more family orientated. There is also the planned theme park which will create jobs and revenue for the area.

“There is no logic in thinking this will even be allowed to go to planning stage.”

Another objector said the site was “totally inappropriate” given the plans for the theme park.

The Gulliver’s Valley resort \_ which is expected to bring 255 jobs \_ would also include guest accommodation and community facilities, plus nature trails, walks, outdoor gyms and woodland runs.

It will be built in five phases over 12 years, combining elements at its Matlock Bath, Warrington and Milton Keynes attractions.

Ray Darby, who also lives near the proposed site, said: “Gulliver’s Valley would bring many jobs with it, breathing new life into the community and the surrounding area.

“I would be very surprised, when the owners of Gulliver’s are made aware of this new planned development, if there would not be a rapid rethink of their plans.

“The new very successful family pub \_ The Elmwood Farm \_ will, I’m sure, be horrified if this application is allowed to go through as the site is directly opposite them.”

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Valley, said: “Our Rother Valley development will be our most ambitious project so far, bringing together on one site all the best elements of our existing three theme parks.”

For more information on the travellers’ site application visit www.rotherham.gov.uk and to find out more about Gulliver’s Valley visit www.gulliversvalley.co.uk.