Gypsy family's site set for approval - Oxford

A family of Gypsies who hope to create a better life for their children look likely to get planning permission to set up site on Green Belt land. Two sisters-in-law, who do not want to be named, and their 12 children moved on to land off Woodstock Road, near Yarnton, in August. They told the Oxford Mail they wanted to send their children to school, adding: “We do not want our children to turn out like we did.” The plot was bought for them at auction by a family friend and they have applied to change the use from agriculture to a gypsy and traveller site. Cherwell District Council officers have recommended approval, saying the harm to the Green Belt is “outweighed by the factors submitted by the applicant”. The women want permission for three caravan pitches, two amenity buildings and a parking area. There are currently four caravans on the site. District councillors, who meet on Thursday to decide on the plan, have received three letters of objection, citing Green Belt status, environmental issues and noise from generators and dogs. The Environment Agency, Yarnton and Gosford & Water Eaton parish councils and the Oxford Green Belt Network have also objected.