A ROW has broken out over the growth of a travellers’ caravan site in Blackburn.

Jimmy Evans has applied for permission to retain five caravans, a chalet, an amenity block and a WC building on a former coal merchants site at the rear of Vincent Street in Ewood.

In July 2010 Blackburn with Darwen Council gave Mr Evans permission to have two caravans, a chalet and an amenity block on the site.

Since then, the site has been enlarged from 0.05 hectares to 0.08 hectares.

Hardstanding has been installed and fencing erected around the site.

The four extra caravans are being used by Mr Evan’s grown-up children.

Concerns have been raised about the impact the site is having.

Ewood councillor Maureen Bateson said she did not believe the increase to five caravans was suitable for the site.

She said: “In particular I have concerns about the access and egress to this site and the potential for increase in traffic into what is already a very small congested area.”

David Andews of Vincent Street, said: “Mr Evans suddenly has realised in 12 months that the accommodation on his caravan site was insufficient for his family’s needs.

“This drip, drip, drip resort to new planning applications makes a mockery of the whole planning process.”

The Ewood Community Association has registered a “strong” opposition to the plans.

Meanwhile, the owners of a neighbouring property in Vincent Street say they have been unable to attract buyers and have had to significantly reduce the asking price because of the travellers’ site.

Council officers have advised members of the planning and highways committee to approve the plans.

A decision will be made on September 15.