Planning committee to consider Gypsy site application next week - Cheshire

From wilmslow.co.uk

Cheshire East Council is expected to decide next week whether a Gypsy site can be built in Wilmslow.

The controversial planning application to build a Gypsy site on green belt land to the north west of Moor Lane will be discussed by the Northern Planning Committee on Wednesday, 23rd January.

This application has been referred to the Committee by the Head of Development due to the significant local interest in the proposal.

This second application, reference 12/4247M, is a resubmission of plans to build a a gypsy site on the outskirts of Wilmslow, which were refused in July 2012.

Green Planning Solutions has submitted the application on behalf of Mr John Allan, who is seeking permission for a Gypsy pitch, a utility/day room to provide facilities for stationed caravans and additional hard standing.

The Council has received over 550 letters objecting to the proposal on the grounds that it is inappropriate development in the green belt, there are no very special circumstances, permission could lead to further development, a day room is unnecessary given facilities in a mobile home and it would impact upon the nature conservation.

Objectors have also raised concerns that the use of plurals within design and access statement is misleading, the single track would cause problems with highway safety, it would put pressure on local schools, cause noise and disturbance to a quiet area, there is no provision for waste storage/collection or parking, it is out of character with the area and there are drainage concerns.

Wilmslow Town Council, Mobberley Parish Council and Chelford Parish Council have all objected to the application on the grounds that it represents inappropriate use of the green belt with no appropriate special circumstances identified.

One letter of support has also been received.

Supporting information in the application states that the family are of romany gypsy descent and have been living on a Council run site in Frodsham for 3 years. However the applicant's eldest son suffers from glaucoma and it is necessary to move closer to Manchester Eye Hospital, as they have to attended regular appointments at the Hospital and sometimes require emergency specialist treatment.

The report prepared for next week's Northern Planning Committee recommends the planning application for refusal because the proposal is an inappropriate form of development in the green belt, which reduces openness and encroaches into the countryside.

Whilst the shortage of accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers in Cheshire East is acknowledged, this is not considered to be sufficient to outweigh the identified harm to the green belt.

The Northern Planning Committee meeting is open to members of the public. It will be held in the Capesthorne Room at Macclesfield Town Hall, starting at 2pm on Wednesday 23rd January.