Gypsy family launch appeal after site refused - County Durham

From the Northern Echo

AN appeal has been launched against a refusal to allow a private Gypsy site on the outskirts of a village on the grounds that there are no facilities nearby for the family.

The application for retrospective planning permission, to change the use of a site off Middleton Road, next to the A66 flyover, on the outskirts of Sadberge, near Darlington, was turned down by planning officers in February.

The family which owns the land want to live permanently on site, with two touring caravans and an auxiliary building, so their children can go to school in the area.

An appeal has been made to the Secretary of State and will be determined by the Planning Inspectorate.

Officers from Darlington Borough Council, acting under delegated planning powers, refused the application because it did not fulfil a key criteria of providing sustainable access to schools, shops and other public services.

To make a representation about the appeal visit planningportal.gov.uk/pcs or email teamp7@pins.gsi.gov.uk Representations can also be made in writing to Sheila Parkin, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/06, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN. Three copies must be enclosed.

The deadline for representations is April 25. All correspondence must quote reference APP/N1350/A/13/2193221