A HEARING on a controversial Gypsy site near Malvern had to be adjourned after a row between one of the gipsies and a local resident.
Angry words flew at Powick parish hall as the planning appeal hearing was discussing the impact on the village of Bastonford, where the Gypsy site is located.
The hearing was called after Edward Smith appealed against a decision by Malvern Hills District Council in October to refuse planning permission for the site.
He is also appealing against a council eviction notice forcing them to quit the site.
Planning inspector Victor Ammoun called a 10-minute adjournment after a Bastonford villager and one of the Gypsy applicants’ party exchanged a series of heated accusations. After reconvening the meeting he urged those present to remain calm.
The villager apologised and the Gypsy woman left the hall.
Vicky Bilton, of MHDC, said the council’s concern was about the impact of the site on views towards the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Resident Maureen North said the replacement of a hawthorn and bramble hedge by a wrought-iron gate had made the site more visible.
Mr Ammoun also heard evidence from villagers about the dangers of the A449/Old Malvern Road/Sparrowhall Lane junction, near the site.
Resident Michael Pearman said one of the hazards was that people trying to turn from Old Malvern Road or Sparrowhall Lane into the main road across the flow of traffic found themselves stuck in the middle of the road.
He said: “It’s the most dangerous manoeuvre you can imagine.”
But Brian Woods, for the applicants, queried this, saying that Worcestershire County Council had offered to build a roundabout but withdrew the idea after residents objected.
As part of the day’s proceedings, both sides went out together to measure “visibility splays” because the figures supplied by each side were different.
The appeal hearing is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, February 7
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.