Meriden Gypsies' application for new site given thumbs down by planners - West Midlands

From the Coventry Telegraph

GIPSIES in Meriden face a last-minute search for a new home after their latest attempt to set up an alternative site got the thumbs-down from planning officers.

The Travellers, led by Noah Burton, had pushed forward a planning application for two homes off Eaves Green Lane – a stone’s throw from their current illegal, green belt base.

But planning officers have recommended the application be refused when it comes before a Solihull Borough Council committee meeting next Wednesday.

A previous application for seven pitches on the same site was refused last November.

The latest scaled-down plan seeks approval to move two families into two mobile homes and a caravan, for one year.

The Gypsies moved on to their current field in May, 2010 – sparking a long-running legal battle by the council and local residents to get them removed.

Mr Burton and fellow Travellers have until the end of the month to leave the site and another month to restore it back to green belt status after hammering out a deal with the council and the High Court last year.

A report produced by officers said the council had received 150 letters and emails of protest over the latest application.

Those who have complained include Meriden RAID, Solihull Taxpayers Association and MP Caroline Spelman.

Campaigners have dubbed the development “inappropriate” and harmful to wildlife. The site is prone to flooding and too close to the A45, they say.

One complaint said it would harm “peaceful and integrated co-existence”.

In a report, officers state: “(The development) would have a harmful impact on the tranquil, rural character and appearance of this location by introducing caravans, mobile homes, sheds, vehicles and other associated inappropriate features, together with associated activity.”

RAID’s spokesman David McGrath said: “We are relieved that the council’s technical officers are sticking to their guns and continuing to refuse this cynical ploy on sound planning grounds.”