Gypsy family granted permission to live on Chelmsford common - Essex

From the Essex Chronicle

A GYPSY family are rejoicing after being given permission to live on a green belt common.

Shane and Jodie Davies and their three children have battled with Chelmsford city council over their mobile home on Edney Common in Highwood since settling there in 2002.

Twice already they have been restricted to only temporary permission to live on the half-acre site because the land is classed as green belt.

Yet the city council made a rare exception on Tuesday (April 30)because there are "no alternatives", because of Mrs Davies' ongoing battle with cancer and because the family are well integrated in the community.

Mr Davies, 34, said the family were delighted by the decision.

He said: "We're all so happy, it's such a weight off our minds and we feel now we can get on with our lives."

The family own the land after inheriting it from Mrs Davies' father.

At the meeting, planning committee vice-chairman Richard Poulter said: "I actually have no problem with this application and the family is well integrated in the village."

Yet city councillor for Writtle, Tim Roper, said: "I am unhappy about the fact that people can turn up to a site and eventually get planning permission.

"However, it's kept clean and residents are happy. But I'm just unhappy about the principle."