Councillor’s anger at decision on Gypsy site - Worcestershire

From the Worcester News

A GROUP of Travellers has been given permission to keep its caravan homes in a village near Worcester.

However, the decision – announced yesterday – to allow the caravan site in Bastonford makes a mockery of the local planning process, said a leading district councillor.

A planning application for the site, on land off the main Malvern to Worcester road, was thrown out last year by Malvern Hills District Council because of concerns about dangers posed by traffic in and out of the site, as well as its impact on the landscape and the village.

But applicant Edward Smith appealed and a hearing was held earlier this year by planning inspector Victor Ammoun.

Now his decision has been released and he has allowed the site with five caravans to remain for the next three years, although he said that it should only be occupied by certain named people, including the applicant.

In his report, he cites the district council’s under-provision of Gypsy sites as a factor in granting temporary permission.

Powick ward member Tom Wells said: “I’m surprised that a government inspector over-ruled the county highways department’s recommendation for refusal.

“In his report, the inspector accepted the visibility at the junctions was sub-standard, but paradoxically, he still granted permission.

“I hope for his sake we don’t see any accidents at this very busy stretch of road caused by vehicles turning in and out of the site.

“This decision means there are now five approved Gypsy sites in this one district council ward and this is the second one that has been approved as a result of a government inspector’s decision in the last 12 months.

“This is making a mockery of the local planning process, when the district council refuses the application for perfectly sound reasons, only for some government inspector to overturn their decision.”

Coun David Hughes, who holds the planning portfolio, said: “The officers fought hard to make the case to the inspector and he has taken account of the council’s representations in his decision.

"The council is also working hard towards bringing forward a realistic strategy for Gypsies and Travellers in the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan.”