Campaign against proposed Gypsy site gathers momentum - Cheshire

From Wilmslow.co.uk

Campaigners in Wilmslow have stepped up their efforts to prevent a a Gypsy site being built on green belt land off Moor Lane.

About thirty local residents gathered at the Rifleman's Arms on Saturday, 5th May, to voice their concern over these plans and discuss how best to oppose them.

Meanwhile over 350 objections have been sent to Cheshire East Council, in response to the application (reference 12/1144M) which has been submitted by Matthew Green, of Green Planning Solutions, dubbed the 'Gypsy King' for his support of gypsies living in illegal dwellings on greenbelt sites.

The application is on behalf of Mr John Allen and seeks permission for a mobile home, one proposed touring caravan and a proposed utility/day room - which has raised fears that the intention is for many more caravans to occupy this site.

Terry Sleigh, of Moor Lane, said "The application asks for the placing of a mobile home for the five members of Mr Allen's family. It also asks for the building of a 'day room' which will have washing, toilet and cooking facilities. Why is this required when many mobile homes have better facilities than my house?"

Ruth Murray, of Clifford Road, organised the residents meeting. She told wilmslow.co.uk "I felt I ought to do something, I don't want it to be a fait accompli, I don't want the council to think we're happy with these plans."

Ruth said "I think it would be safe to say that the overwhelming majority of opinions expressed at the meeting were that nobody wanted this green belt land to be developed for any purposes whatsoever.

"Several issues were raised that would make it unsatisfactory, these being access, Japanese knot weed, drainage, historical heritage, wildlife, removal of waste, recycling of rubbish.

"We discussed the plan of action to be taken to try to ensure that the planning department were aware that there are many strong objections to this planning and to this end everybody decided to get as many people as possible, including themselves, to write and email to object to this application in the strongest terms possible.

Ruth added "In the event that this planning application is granted, we would have a further meeting to see if we can get a local solicitor involved to help us fight an appeal.

"In the meantime we still need to find a local solicitor, so if anybody knows of one who is willing or if indeed you are a local solicitor and would like to help then please get in contact."

The planning application, reference 12/1144M, can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website.

Representations have to be submitted by May 11th.

This application may be discussed at the Northern Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday 23rd May, although it will depend on the turnaround of papers and other items on the agenda. Otherwise it is likely to be discussed at the following meeting in mid-June.