Gypsy site appeal to go to a public inquiry - Wales

From the Leader

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a Gypsy site on Deeside are set to go to a public inquiry.

An application by Martin Rooney to build a five-caravan site off Magazine Lane, Ewloe, drew more than 270 objections when it was first lodged in August 2010 and was thrown out by a Flintshire Council planning committee in January.

Mr Rooney has since appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and a public inquiry is scheduled to take place in July.

But Ewloe councillor Dave Mackie still has concerns.

He said: “I would object whatever the application was if it was out of character with the area.

“We have to protect our green barrier. It’s absolutely vital.”

Residents formed the Ewloe Green Action Group to fight the plans and said the site was unsuitable for anyone to live on because of noise, drainage concerns and distance from amenities.

Concerns were also raised that increased traffic could pose a danger to young families who walk their children down the single track lane to Ewloe Green Primary School.

At the Flintshire Council planning committee meeting Matthew Green, of Green Planning Solutions, speaking on behalf of Mr Rooney, warned the local authority would be in a position of liability in terms of the cost of a successful appeal if the application was refused.

But members voted unanimously to reject the application citing “no demonstrable need”.

A Welsh Government spokesman confirmed Mr Ronney had lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

A Flintshire Council spokesman said: “Mr Rooney’s appeal will be heard by way of a public inquiry for three days from July 25 to 27. The venue for the inquiry has not yet been fixed.

“The council will be preparing its case.”