Gypsy site is on course for new approval - Derbyshire

From the Burton Mail

UNAUTHORISED works on a Gypsy site could be resolved after the plans will be decided by councillors for the fourth time.

Plans for a controversial GYpsy site on land north of Cauldwell Road, Linton, have already been refused by members of South Derbyshire District Council’s planning committee three times due to land contamination issues but was then approved at appeal in 2007.

Now, applicant, Nottinghamshire-based John Connors, has applied again for the change of use to a Gypsy caravan site for three caravans – with an amendment to permission given in 2007.

The applicant previously appealed against an enforcement notice in 2009 after unauthorised materials were brought to the site which ‘wraps around’ the land up for discussion. This was dismissed during a public inquiry and now the current application seeks to ‘amend and improve the scheme so that unauthorised and outstanding work can be resolved.’

Amendments include reducing the number of permanent caravans on site from four to three, lowering the front boundary wall and gate piers and deleting a previously approved toilet/shower block.

The site forms part of a former railway cutting that was filled with commercial and non-hazardous waste and asbestos and later capped with clay and covered with top soil.

However, the council’s environmental health manager believes the plan would not have any major impacts with regards to contamination.

Objections and comments raise concerns over the applicant’s chequered history with the site, with the chairman of Linton Parish Council stating that unauthorised waste remains despite a dismissed appeal against its retention.

Other comments cite the misuse of the land by the applicants along with concerns about future developments.

Linton Parish Council also objects saying contraventions include erection of illegal wall, open fires, flytipping, and failure of adhere to enforcement notices.

However, officers have recommended the plans for approval, saying: “In light of the appeal decision and the fact that the current application involves a reduction in number of caravans, and removal of toilet/shower block, it is considered that the principle of the development has been accepted and established.”