Couple dismiss traveller site rumours on land

A couple have dismissed claims they are building a traveller site without planning permission on the edge of a Yorkshire Dales village.

James and Naomi Miller have laid gravel and concrete on the plot outside Hudswell, near Richmond, and installed a mobile home and caravan.

The couple, who have Romani heritage, said they were aware of resident's concerns but added: "There's nobody else coming to live here - I wouldn't destroy my home by allowing that."

Nic Harne, from North Yorkshire Council, said it did not comment on individual cases but if the issue could not be resolved through engagement, it would "consider appropriate enforcement action".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, concerns have been raised about the site with Hudswell and District Parish Council, which have been passed on to the larger authority.

The couple, who said their families had lived in Skipton for five generations, purchased the land earlier this year, and moved onto the site with their two adult sons.

Miller said he was "devastated" when he received correspondence from the council about alleged unauthorised work on the field, which they have called Miller's Meadow.

The businessman, who runs a property company, said he understood he was allowed to lay gravel without planning permission, while the mobile home, caravan along with two sheds were temporary structures and could be moved.

He said all suppliers had been local and he had spent large sums on wildflower seeds and plants to enhance the space, saying: "Everything's been done as it should be."

He added: "If I have to, I'll get rid of everything and just live in a tent, but I'm staying - the only way I'm leaving is in a box."

Miller said the family were keen to integrate with the community and invited residents to come and speak to them.

"We're very community-focused," he said.

"I go to the community pub in the village on a Sunday for my lunch - I've even bought shares in the pub like everyone else.

"We just want to be left alone to live in peace."

Harne, the authority's corporate director for community development, said: "Our planning enforcement policy ensures that all breaches are investigated and we take such matters very seriously as they can affect the well-being, safety and health of communities in North Yorkshire."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.