Anger at Gypsy site decision - Salisbury

PEOPLE living near a Gypsy site have been left fuming after a decision on whether it can remain was put off once again on Thursday.

Many Alderbury and Clarendon residents were at a planning inquiry into whether eight mobile homes should be allowed at the Hillbilly Acre site off Southampton Road.

Owner David Cooper has appealed against Wiltshire Council’s decision to refuse permission but after two days of hearing evidence the inquiry was adjourned to allow Mr Cooper time to gather more information to support his case.

Planning inspector Richard Clegg heard evidence from residents about highway safety concerns and said he was concerned that the highways questions being asked have not been addressed in detail by Mr Cooper.

He decided to adjourn the hearing until May to give him time to seek expert highways advice, but furious residents said he had already had plenty of time to do this as they handed in their evidence at an early stage.

Paul Viant, who lives in the Grade II listed Belmont House near the site, said: “They’ve had months and months to sort this out. We followed procedure to the nail and it seems democracy has gone wrong.”

Representing the residents’ group, Jane Ferguson told the inspector they were unhappy with the decision as they had gone to considerable effort and expense and had carefully followed the rules.

Mr Cooper wants permission to change the agricultural smallholding into a four-pitch Gypsy site with eight mobile homes, space for four touring caravans and a kitchen block.

Three of the mobile homes are already on the site, along with numerous buildings such as a toilet block and an equipment building which he says have been there at least eight years and are therefore lawful now, despite never having been given planning permission.

But residents have raised a number of concerns about conservation, as the site is by the River Avon in an area of special conservation and high ecological value, and about its proximity to homes.

Mr Clegg said: “I’m sorry about the way things have gone but I need to ensure that a safe decision is made.”

The hearing will be resumed on May 9.