Temporary site permission granted to Gypsy family - Hampshire

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A LONG running debate over whether a Gypsy family should be allowed to continue living on a site at Liphook has ended with temporary permission being granted.

Planning councillors have put a three year time limit on the planning consent at Hill Top Stables in Devils Lane. They have also ruled that the permission should only apply to four named adults and their children.

Their decision will enable the applicants to retain caravans and hardstanding, two stable blocks and a septic tank and utility room.

At a meeting of East Hampshire District Council’s Planning Committee, a member of Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council argued that the permission should be temporary to enable the district council a suitable multi-pitched site for Gypsy and Traveller families.

Cllr Michael Croucher said there were concerns that the establishment of a new site could set a precedent, encouraging more families to move to it.

Cllr Bill Mouland, the ward district councillor also called for the permission to be made temporary so that it could be reviewed once an overall policy for Travellersites was in place.

Another district councillor, Angela Glass, said the development had caused harm to a previously undeveloped field.