Families could fail to stop Gypsy site - Staffordshire

NEIGHBOURS look set to lose their fight against plans for a permanent Gypsy site near their homes.

The residents living in Moston, near Sandbach, say the development will affect property prices, be an eyesore and create mess and litter.

More than 20 letters of objection have been sent to Cheshire East Council over the retrospective planning application for the land at Thimswarra Farm, Dragons Lane, Moston.

The development includes changing agricultural land to a residential caravan site for one Gypsy family, with a mobile home, touring caravan and stable block.

A similar application for the site was refused by councillors almost a year ago.

But the latest application has been recommended for approval by planning officers ahead of next week's meeting of the council's southern planning committee.

The officers say there is a need for more Gypsy and Traveller sites within the council's catchment area which must be "urgently" addressed.

However, they accept the site is poorly located.

A report to the committee states: "A number of representations make references to the application site lying within the green belt.

"However, this is not the case and according to the local plan, the whole of the application site is located wholly within the open countryside.

"Objectors have also said that if planning permission is approved for the proposed development, it will have a detrimental impact on house prices.

"While the concerns of the objectors are noted, issues to do with devaluation of properties are not a material planning consideration and as such are not a sufficient justification for warranting a refusal.

"It is acknowledged that the site is poorly located in order to access shops, services and other community facilities and the site is located in an unsustainable location."

Campaigners have also highlighted the potential for the site to be further developed, as well as the availability of alternative traveller sites nearby.

In a letter to the council, Pamela Brooks, who lives in Eaton Close, Sandbach, said: "This is a green belt area and I believe that planning has been refused in the past to the previous owner on such grounds.

"Once one dwelling has been approved more will follow, and amenities might have to be installed.

"Our countryside is being eaten up enough by developers as it is, so I am against this application."

Ruth Williams, of Plant Lane, wrote: "The council has designated an area in Coppenhall for a traveller site, based on the grounds of easy access to amenities and facilities, as opposed to the semi-remote location of Dragons Lane/Plant Lane with no public transport and limited access to shops, schools, medical practices and workplaces."

Parish councils in Moston and Warmingham have also sent objections to the council, as well as the area's MP, Conservative Fiona Bruce.

Councillor John Wray, who represents Brereton Rural, said: "The proposal would be detrimental to the amenity of the area.

"It would have a detrimental impact on the open countryside and its character and appearance."

Councillors are expected to make a final decision on the plans at Wednesday's meeting.