Nettlebed Residents Fear Property Plunge Over Traveller Site

Residents in Nettlebed, a village in south Oxfordshire, are protesting against an illegally extended traveller site adjacent to their properties. They express strong concerns that the expansion will negatively impact their home values, which currently average £800,000. The situation escalated after new access, hard standing, a static caravan, and fencing were erected on the site.

A retrospective planning application submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council was denied this week. The council cited the plan as an 'unacceptable encroachment into the open countryside.' Despite this decision, locals fear the travellers will disregard the enforcement notice and continue unauthorized work, potentially damaging the area of outstanding natural beauty.

Villagers have reported incidents of littering, late-night fires, petty thefts, and intimidation since a makeshift camp was established earlier this year. The council received 90 objections from residents. While a source close to the travellers stated bins have been installed for waste disposal, the local community remains apprehensive about future developments and the impact on their quality of life and property values.