From the Daily Express
Gypsies being evicted from a green belt camp have resorted to what residents say is a “trick” planning application to develop land next door.
It is the latest twist in the long-running battle between residents and Travellers in Meriden, Warwickshire, with locals claiming the move is a delaying tactic, copying gypsies in a notorious row at Dale Farm, near Basildon, Essex.
The Meriden Gypsies have been occupying a three-acre site on the edge of the idyllic village for more than two years, with residents staging a round-the-clock protest vigil.
Solihull Council ordered the Travellers to leave by March 2013 but last week they lodged an application to move on to a disused builders yard 100 yards away.
The Gypsies have told the council they want to park eight caravans there and build timber kitchens and a toilet block, which would be close to villagers’ homes.
The villagers yesterday likened the planning application to tactics used at Dale Farm, which took a decade to clear, costing taxpayers millions of pounds.
David McGrath, chairman of campaign group Residents Against Inappropriate Development, said:
“This is a move straight out of the Dale Farm book of tricks aimed at stringing out the illegal occupation of the green belt at the expense of taxpayers.
"All of these planning applications are being fought vigorously.”
Last night the council said the planning application would not affect the Travellers’ deadline to leave by March next year.
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