For over twelve months planners have been in secret discussions with a showman, who wishes to build a showman's site for caravans and fairground equipment outside Oldcotes village. It is so large that it will link up Oldcotes and Styrrup.

As previously raised in this column, there has been agreement for 43 to 47 new gypsy and traveller placements in Bassetlaw. I now have the figures for Ashfield, Mansfield, Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling. Between them they intend to have another 36 placements- leaving Bassetlaw taking more future caravans than the rest put together. What nonsense, no such demand in Bassetlaw can be demonstrated. I challenge a public debate with anyone who believes they can prove otherwise, especially the chosen few who made this decision.

It is hardly a surprise to discover that showmen classify as travellers, but why has this proposal not been filed appropriately in the first place – in the bin. I have written making thirty objections, each one on specific and technical planning terms. That’s right,30 objections. If you want a copy of my letter of objection look on my website www.johnmannmp.com or contact me for a copy on mannj@parliament.uk and 01909 506200.

I have nothing whatsoever against showmen or gypsies or other travellers. Indeed I am currently acting for several on housing related issues, including some people illegally evicted from a fixed park home site. But what they want are good, clean and quiet sites that cause no problems for them or their neighbours. Sticking a site in the field outside Oldcotes is against every planning guidance and against everything the Showman's Guild argues for. After all, who wants their kids stuck on a caravan site miles from schools, shops and doctors?

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Mansfield Hosiery site on Retford Road is a disgrace. This brown field site should only be used for jobs - we do not need more housing. I suggest that the frequent police and fire service call outs are billed to the owner and that the authorities demolish the building and bill him or her. Perhaps this paper could do a grot spot special on this blot on our town?

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You can read John Mann's letter to Bassetlaw District Council here.