Bid for further 10 caravans at Travellers’ site in Grappenhall - Cheshire

From the Warrington Guardian

A TRAVELLERS’ site in Grappenhall could more than double in size if a new planning application gets the go ahead.

Permission for two caravans to be sited on land at Cartridge Lane was controversially given the temporary nod in October 2008.

Now the Smith family, who are believed to have paid £100,000 for the land, are preparing a bid for 10 caravans, and an extra three families, to be permanently sited.

They have been living there without permission since October.

Clr Mike Biggin (LD – Grappenhall and Thelwall) is the ward member for the area.

He added: “While I may sympathise with the travellers’ need for sites the residents clearly oppose the development in green belt.

“I expect local people will oppose vigorously.”

And David Mowat, Warrington South MP, has already been contacted.

He said: “The current site has planning permission, but this new application means that a site, on green belt land, would more than double in size.

“It is also sad that the owner appears to have attempted to create ‘facts on the ground’ by allowing additional families and caravans onto the site before any new application is submitted.

“Travellers have rights, like everyone else, but there are very strict rules protecting green belt land, rules that have been strengthened by the localism bill recently introduced by the Coalition Government.

“I will be watching the council very closely to make sure those rules are followed.”

Warrington Borough Council was given £500,000 last year to help provide an extra eight pitches in the town as it continues to fall below national standards for the number of required spaces for Travellers.

It could not confirm whether this money would be part of that.