Plans for Gypsy site on Moston farmland knocked back by council - Cheshire

From the Middlewich Guardian

CONTROVERSIAL plans to transform farmland near Middlewich into a Gypsy site have been thrown out by Cheshire East Council.

Two proposals for a total of six Gypsy pitches in Dragons Lane, Moston, were refused by the authority’s southern planning committee.

The applications included space for 12 caravans and associated brick buildings, parking, hardstanding and waste disposal facilities.

Opposition group Action Moston and community leaders warned of the cumulative effect it would have on the greenfield site.

“There would be an immense impact and desecreation of prime agricultural land,” said David Wright, chairman of Action Moston.

The decision also came after Council Leader Michael Jones spoke at the meeting with a pledge to find sustainable sites for Gypsies and Travellers.

He added: “Nothing is more emotive than Gypsy and Traveller site provision.

“As leader of the council I am committed to finding suitable sites where sustainability is guaranteed and they will be supported by the developers and community.

“Within a year we will have 28 pitches coming forward for planning permission.

“We will have enough Gypsy and Traveller sites for the whole of Cheshire East in applications next year.”

Plans for one family to live on Thimswarra Farm - bordering Dragons Lane and Plant Lane - were approved by appeal in September.

This has prompted Gypsy site applications that were previously refused to be resubmitted saying there has been a change in circumstances.

“It’s now being used as a precedent,” said Clr Andrew Thwaite.

“And I don’t think we should be swayed in any way and treat each application on its own merit.”

Mr Wright said the application that was approved by appeal had led to numerous planning proposals amounting to 19 units.

Clr John Wray, ward member for Moston, said: “We don’t want the open countryside blighted with inappropriate, unplanned developments in unsustainable locations.

“The whole site consists of 11 acres which is apparently for sale piecemeal.

“If these applications are approved we will see future applications. It could turn into quite a large site.”

Moston resident Alan Holder said: “I believe this current application is simply a Trojan horse.”

Clr William Scragg, of Moston Parish Council, added: “The feeling is we are thought to be the dumping ground of Cheshire East for Gypsy and Traveller sites.

“We feel enough is enough. We already have the lion’s share of pitches in the borough.”

The committee also heard that the site was a long way from amenities such as doctors, schools and shops and prone to flooding.

Committee chairman Gill Merry said: “In the last two or three weeks, the water has been running like a river.

“It’s completely flooded. I seriously question how healthy it would be to live in that area.”

The first application, which was for two Gypsy families, was also refused as it is on land designated for the grazing of horses.

No alternative provision for the horses had been planned.